The Red Era, the Opening University Speech

Chapter 421 Fly-by-Wire Flight Control
The meeting lasted until noon.

It’s not that all the problems have been solved, but everyone’s notes are almost full, so we have to pause for now.

Li Mu was not in a rush for success. He asked everyone to go back and understand and digest the situation first, and come to him if they had any questions.

He planned to start the research formally only after several more meetings and discussions.

……

After having dinner at the Semiconductor Research Institute.

Li Mu prepared to go to the Automotive Research Institute to continue discussing the development of tank engines.

Although this project must be abandoned.

But if the engine is not used in tanks, it can be used elsewhere.
Of course, it is not possible to directly take out the engine of the Type 99 main battle heavy tank now.

After all, his knowledge about tanks was basically learned from materials, and there were still many shortcomings.

It's possible to fool ordinary people, but if you want to fool people like Yang Ying who have been immersed in the tank field for decades, you are underestimating them.

……

Just when Li Mu was about to head to the Automotive Research Institute.

At the same time, on the southwestern border of Xia State.

The tense confrontation with Asan is still going on.

Faced with the provocation of the Indian army, the soldiers on duty adhered to the principle of not giving an inch while also maintaining restraint and not taking the initiative to attack.

However, the soldiers' restraint did not make the Indians feel guilty. Instead, it made them even more arrogant, and they felt that the Xia Kingdom would not dare to offend them.

After two days of confrontation.

A gunshot broke the silence.

This gunshot also marked the beginning of Xia State's counterattack.

……

A small courtyard somewhere in Kyoto.

After the secretary reported the news from the southwest border, the superior leader walked into the yard, looked towards the southwest, and silently lit a cigarette.

But he didn't take even a puff until his fingers were burned by sparks.

"This is too much!" The superior leader's eyes were bloodshot. Thinking of the border guards who were beaten to death by Asan, he sighed heavily.

Reason told him that he shouldn't fight.

But now the time has come when we have to fight.

Blindly giving in will not bring peace, but will only make the jackals more arrogant and more aggressive.

……

In front of the Automotive Research Institute.

Before Li Mu even knew it, Ah San had already started to attack.

As he walked to the door, he suddenly saw a familiar figure getting out of another car.

Seeing the other person, he hurried forward and asked in surprise: "Teacher, when did you come back? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just arrived early this morning. After sleeping for a few hours, I planned to look for you. In the end, I had to ask people before I found out that you were here." Master Qian Wu said with a smile.

He first went to the Semiconductor Research Institute, but didn't find anyone.

After listening to Wu Youxiang's words, I realized that Li Mu came here.

Master Qian Wu continued with emotion: "I didn't expect that in just a month or so, you have already started developing tanks. It's surprising!"

During this period, he went to Jiuquan and was fully responsible for the construction of the aerial platform.

I had originally thought about coming back to discuss issues in the aerospace field with Li Mu to see if I could get him to put more effort into this area.

It was not convenient to say it before. After all, there were requirements from above that Li Mu’s research could not be interfered with.

But it can be seen from the high altitude platform.

Li Mu may not be without interest in aerospace, so it doesn't hurt to mention it.

"Originally I was just planning to use the high-horsepower diesel engine of a military truck to build a tank engine. The idea of ​​building a tank only came to me later." Li Mu said.

With Master Qian Wu, he doesn't need to hide too much.

Hearing this, Master Qian Wu asked curiously, "Oh, then why did you suddenly change your mind?"

"The recent border is a little uneasy! Teacher, our country's current military strength is still not strong enough. Without powerful weapons to protect us, it is very difficult to develop peacefully." Li Mu sighed.

He knew very well that Xia Kingdom would not fight any major wars in the next few decades.

And they will eventually become the largest developing country in the world, second only to the M Empire and Big Brother, shocking the world at the speed of their rise.

But in the past few decades, they have also suffered numerous humiliations due to their weak national strength.

Now that he has come to this era, he must make changes.

Master Qian Wu was silent for a moment, swallowed the words of persuasion he was about to say, and then sighed deeply.

He knew very well how difficult Xia's current situation was.

"But don't worry, teacher. I am still interested in doing more research in aerospace. Recently, I would like to find an opportunity to ask you some questions." Li Mu continued.

Hearing this, Master Qian Wu's eyes lit up again and asked, "Oh, what's the problem? Tell me quickly."

"During the time when I was at the Fengtian Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, I suddenly wanted to try to make a fighter jet, but there were many problems and I was afraid I couldn't handle it myself," Li Mu continued.

Teacher Qian Wu couldn't help but laugh and said jokingly, "You can't figure it out? Then why don't you just stop talking about it. It would be embarrassing if I, as a teacher, can't answer it."

Of course this is a joke.

With Master Qian Wu's achievements in the field of aerospace, Li Mu estimated that it would be difficult to find someone comparable to him in the next hundred years.

"If even you can't guide me, then I can only give up this research." Li Mu also made a joke.

However, Master Qian Wu obviously took it seriously and said quickly:

"That won't do. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of fighter jet you can build. Our country lags far behind Emperor M and Big Brother in this regard."

"Although the radar you developed earlier, coupled with the surface-to-air D-bombs that are currently being developed, have given us a good air defense capability, there is still no way to reverse the situation where our air force is very weak."

"If we can't have a fighter jet that can compete with the F-104 "Star" F-84F "Thunder" of the M Emperor and the MiG-21 of Big Brother, we will always be at a disadvantage in the air!"

What he said was actually quite conservative and did not put too much pressure on Li Mu.

It is not clear about Big Brother, but the F-84F Thunderbolt of Emperor M is definitely not the most advanced fighter jet at present. It can only be said to be the most advanced in service.

Xia Country's fighter jet technology is not just a little behind.

"Then I will try to build a fighter jet that surpasses Emperor M and Big Brother in one go." Li Mu said half-jokingly.

There is no way. We can't say that he is planning to develop a J-10 that will beat fighter jets of the same generation. That would be a bit shocking.

It’s okay to do things in a high-profile manner, but it’s better not to speak in a high-profile manner.

Master Qian Wu didn't think Li Mu was joking. He was about to ask Li Mu, but felt it was a bit inappropriate to do so at the gate, so he said:
"Well, come to my house when you go back today and we can have a good chat."

To be honest, what the two of them just talked about was a bit too sensitive.

If there weren't only a few guards on duty around, it would be impossible to say it.

"Okay, then I'll go there early in the evening." Li Mu nodded, without rushing to ask for advice.

……

After watching Master Qian Wu leave.

Li Mu took out his ID and had it checked by the guard before entering the Automotive Research Institute.

Just arrived at the open space under the laboratory building.

Ma Zhihao and Song Kun, who got the news from the guard, hurried down.

Seeing him, both of their faces were filled with joy.

"Advisor Li, please come this way. Professor Yang and his colleagues are analyzing the military truck engine we just applied for and conducting research according to the direction you gave." Ma Zhihao said.

As he spoke, he led Li Mu upstairs and introduced the current research progress.

Of course, it is not realistic to expect any results in just one night.

At present, what Yang Ying and others can do is still theoretical analysis.

After they have fully understood the theory, they will use the CAD on the institute's Type 02 computer for assisted design.

However, this process will surely be quite long.

……

Walk into the laboratory.

What caught our eyes were Yang Ying and other key researchers of the WZ-111 heavy tank.

On the operating table in front of them was a military truck engine that had been disassembled into pieces.

While analyzing, people occasionally expressed their admiration for Li Mu's unique design ideas:
"If Consultant Li had come earlier, our engine problem would have been solved long ago!"

"Who says it's not true? Consultant Li is such a capable person. If he had come to our institute earlier, he might have been able to handle the WZ-111, not to mention the engine!"

"Yeah, tell me, Consultant Li is a mechanical engineering major, right? Why didn't he come to our institute as a consultant first?"

……

Listen to the quiet discussion inside.

Ma Zhihao and Song Kun's faces couldn't help but darken.

Is it up to them to decide whether Li Mulai will come to the Automotive Research Institute as a consultant?

At the beginning, many universities and research institutes rushed to invite him, but they didn't even meet him.

If there was even the slightest chance, how could they let it go!

Just when the two of them were slightly distracted.

Yang Ying, who had just removed a part in the house, looked up and noticed their arrival. He quickly put down what he was holding and stepped forward and said:

"Advisor Li, you're here!"

This sentence instantly quieted the laboratory that was originally in the midst of a heated discussion.

Everyone couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. After all, what they just said was nothing if said in private, but it would be a bit embarrassing if the person involved heard it.

"Don't worry about me, just continue the discussion." Li Mu smiled and said.

Putting aside some of the gossip just now, Yang Ying and others actually did a very good job in their analysis, explaining the principles and structure of military engines quite clearly.

Xiaguo does not lack good scientists, but just lacks time to accumulate them.

Give them some time, and maybe I can develop the engine for WZ-111 without Li Mu.

However, Yang Ying and others obviously did not think so. After hearing his words, they waved their hands and said, "No, no, our analysis is still too superficial. It is more appropriate for you to lead the research."

After saying that, the group of people quickly dispersed.

Then, they took out small stools from some corner, sat down in rows, and took out brand new notebooks to record. Li Mu didn't know whether to laugh or cry when seeing this scene.

However, he did want to talk to everyone about engine development, so he stepped onto the stage and said:

"Since everyone is so enthusiastic, I will just briefly talk about it."

"The most typical tank engine in the world today is the M-60 heavy tank of the M Emperor."

"The diesel engine replaced the original gasoline engine after solving a series of problems such as high noise, black smoke, and difficulty starting at low temperatures..."

He did not rush to put forward his ideas directly, but first talked about the development history of tank engines.

When talking about the previous part, everyone was still a little impatient.

When the sentence started with “How to improve the performance of tank diesel engines”, everyone’s backs couldn’t help but sit up straight, and their pens never stopped moving, for fear of missing a single word.

What Li Mu was talking about was a technology that emerged in the 70s - supercharging.

By using supercharging, the engine can produce greater power and its efficiency is several times that of an ordinary engine.

The most typical ones are Germany's "Leopard" II and France's "Leclerc", whose engine power has reached a high level of 1100 kilowatts.

Moreover, the engine is smaller in size and more compact in structure.

In terms of quality, it is definitely far superior to today's most advanced diesel engines.

"Of course, supercharging technology also has its disadvantages." Li Mu changed the subject and continued: "This technology is likely to lead to a higher degree of engine enhancement, a shorter service life and a significant increase in costs."

This last sentence was like pouring cold water on Yang Ying and others.

After all, what Xia Country lacks most right now is money. If they had money, it wouldn't be so difficult for them to develop the WZ-111.

Yang Ying was silent for a moment, then said, "Advisor Li, you said it's just a possibility, does that mean that these problems can actually be overcome?"

His voice sounded very unconfident when he said this.

Everyone shook their heads, thinking that this statement was too far-fetched.

——They are not unfamiliar with Li Mu’s name. If he says it is possible, then it is basically certain.

"It's not impossible. Maybe as we continue to study it, we can find a better method." Li Mu said with a smile.

When he talks about increasing technology, he's not just doing it to fool people.

The development of technology requires a process of accumulation.

The engine of the Type 99 main battle heavy tank, as the most advanced engine in the later generations of the Xia Kingdom, reflects the result of this process.

Without this process, it would be very troublesome to get anything done.

Anyway, he had no intention of actually building the WZ-111, so he used his engine technology to delay Yang Ying and the others.

You can also give them extra lessons, killing two birds with one stone.

As expected, Yang Ying's eyes lit up after hearing Li Mu's words, and he immediately said, "Advisor Li, please tell me in more detail."

……

I stayed at the Automotive Research Institute until about 7pm.

Li Mu finished his dinner and prepared to leave.

Although Yuan Yangying and others tried their best to keep him, they did not stop him after hearing that he was going to meet with Master Qian Wu.

After all, both Li Mu and Master Qian Wu are quite famous scientists in Xia Country.

If the two of them were discussing something, it would most likely be a scientific research project that was extremely important to Xia Country and could not be delayed at all.

So, he got into the car and left as Ma Zhihao, Song Kun, Yang Ying and others watched him.

However, Li Mu did not let Guan Jianmin drive too fast.

While closing his eyes to rest, he was thinking about how to talk to Master Qian Wu about the issue of fly-by-wire flight control.

He did not continue the conversation with Master Qian Wu today, in fact, he was worried about accidentally letting something slip.

After all, the latter came back suddenly and he was completely unprepared.

You definitely can't speak carelessly in front of a big shot like Master Qian Wu.

A good plan must be made so that, without exposing one's own understanding, one can guide Master Qian to help solve the technical difficulties of fly-by-wire flight control.

……

Return to the special building.

After thinking about it all the way, Li Mu was ready. After getting off the car, he went straight to Master Qian Wu's house without any hesitation.

Stand in front of the door.

He raised his hand and knocked twice.

Almost at the moment the voice was heard, footsteps were heard from inside the door.

The door was quickly opened with a "swish", and what came into view was the smiling face of Master Qian Wu.

He greeted, "Teacher."

"Have you eaten?" Master Qian Wu asked first with a deeper smile in his eyes.

After getting Li Mu's affirmative answer, he pulled him straight to his study without any hesitation.

……

After telling his wife not to disturb them.

Master Qian Wu closed the door of the study and immediately asked Li Mu to sit on the chair.

He first picked up the thermos and brewed a cup of hot tea, then said, "Okay, now you can tell me your problem."

"It's not really a problem." Li Mu nodded slightly, then said, "Teacher, have you heard of fly-by-wire flight control?"

Master Qian Wu smiled and said:
"Of course. The Vulcan bomber invented by Da Ying in 55 used this."

"Early flight control systems mainly relied on mechanical transmission, which was heavy, not responsive enough, and had very backward transmission, and had many disadvantages."

"However, the emergence of fly-by-wire flight control has made up for these shortcomings. The system that controls the aircraft's control surfaces through electronic signals has reduced the pilot's physical exertion and improved the safety and accuracy of flight..."

He briefly explained what he had learned.

Fly-by-wire flight control actually appeared quite early, but the technology was not perfect.

Emperor M also has related research plans, but at least until he comes back, there has not been much progress.

The disadvantage of the computer's large size forced researchers to choose between the combat system and fly-by-wire flight control.

——If you want to put the latter into the plane, you must dismantle all the combat systems to do so.

"Do you want to use our current leading edge in computers to make a better fly-by-wire flight control system?" Master Qian Wu asked finally.

But his tone was already very firm.

After all, with Xiaguo's leading position in computers, if we really try, there is still a good chance of success.

Li Mu nodded slightly and continued:

"Yes, by using fly-by-wire flight control, we can greatly improve the flight performance of fighter jets, simplify operations and improve safety."

"Compared with the complex mechanical parts, the fly-by-wire flight control system can sense the movement of the aircraft joystick through electronic components and then transmit the signal to each movable control surface, which has obvious advantages."

"If it can be adopted, it should be quite satisfactory for the improvement of the new fighter jets we are developing."

His words made Master Qian Wu nod repeatedly.

As far as fly-by-wire flight control is concerned, Xiaguo's advantage is still very obvious.

At least he felt that there was a great chance that it could be made, and the effect would definitely be far beyond Emperor M and Big Brother, reaching a leading level.

But there are also problems.

"The cost of using fly-by-wire flight control is a big problem. The cost of a fighter jet is already very high. If this system is added, the price will probably double. The cost performance seems to be a bit low." asked Master Qian.

He did not doubt Li Mu's ability.

However, when developing fighter jets, it is not necessary to use whatever technology is best. The most important thing is suitability.

Admittedly, the higher-ups can invest money to build one to save face.

But if the cost is too high, it is likely that only a few will be produced in the end, and then they will slowly be replaced by better and cheaper fighter jets.

Thinking of this, Master Qian Wu continued, "Okay, don't keep me in suspense. I don't believe that you would insist on using this fly-by-wire flight control for no reason."

Seeing that he was exposed, Li Mu laughed and said:

"Teacher, you guessed it right. I want to work on fly-by-wire flight control, not only because it can improve the performance of the aircraft."

“We also want to use it to achieve statically unstable design of fighter jets.”

"You must have heard about the advantages of this design in terms of maneuverability and fuel efficiency. I am confident that we can use it to help our fighter jets surpass those of foreign countries by a large margin!"

After he finished speaking.

Master Qian Wu did not reply in a hurry, but pondered for a moment.

He was naturally aware of statically unstable designs, and he also knew that Emperor M had been trying to find a way to break through this technology.

But it has not been successful yet.

Because of this design, the aircraft needs to constantly make subtle adjustments during flight to ensure a stable flight state.

This has brought great difficulties to the flight of the aircraft.

After all, without constant, subtle adjustments, the plane can't even fly.

"So you want to use fly-by-wire flight control to overcome the shortcomings of statically unstable design. Great! In this way, the performance of the new fighter can indeed leave the M Emperor and Big Brother far behind." After Master Qian figured it out, he said with excitement in his eyes.

Of course, his forecast is still relatively conservative.

After all, it is still quite difficult to leave others behind by just improving the aircraft's maneuverability and flexibility.

It is certainly a good thing if fighter jets fly faster and more steadily.

However, without corresponding airborne weapons, the combat effectiveness will undoubtedly be greatly reduced.

The weapons currently equipped on the domestic J-6 fighter jets are mainly the PL-2D missiles.

This D bullet was a weapon imported by Xiaguo that imitated the older K-13D bullet, but due to various technical deficiencies, it had many problems.

"Statically unstable design and fly-by-wire flight control alone are certainly not enough, but I am currently unable to work on the D-bomb, so we can only talk about it later." Li Mu said helplessly.

He naturally knew the defects of the PL-2D missile. The reliability and performance of key components such as the seeker, fuze and engine were all insufficient.

There is no problem in putting it on the J-6.

But if it is equipped on the J-10, it will look a bit funny, like a strong man beating someone with a magic wand.

"It's okay as long as you know what you are doing. You also have experience with D bullets, so you don't need me to teach you more. But if you have any questions, you can still come to me." Master Qian Wu said with a smile.

The surface-to-air D bomb designed by Li Mu before was quite amazing to him.

In particular, the application of solid fuel and double-base modified propellant has greatly improved the rocket's fuel propulsion efficiency and reduced a lot of weight and cost.

(End of this chapter)