In 1978, I was admitted to Harbin Institute of Technology

Chapter 284 The Iran-Iraq War Begins, Long-Range Rocket Launchers Delivered for Testing Ahead of Schedule
"This is just the first batch of orders. You know the situation in the ministry; we have limited funds but many expenses."

Minister Zheng could understand Li Rui's dissatisfaction.

An order for 100 machining centers is worth 3600 million!
How much was the entire Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry's annual budget?

"Minister Zheng, you didn't come all this way just for this little thing, did you?"

Li Rui also knew that Minister Zheng was giving a generous support to the school's CNC technology research this time. He had previously given an order to modify 800 CNC lathes, which was worth more than 2000 million yuan.

"What exactly are your plans for Xie Wei?"

Minister Zheng asked Li Rui.

"???"

Li Rui was completely confused.

"The Industry-University Cooperation Office hasn't assigned anyone yet, so you're paving the way for Xie Wei, right? Before, the Industry-University Cooperation Office was just dabbling in small things, but now you know better than anyone how important CNC technology, program-controlled switches, and chips are. Although it's said that once China makes breakthroughs in these technologies, the COCOM embargo will be lifted on our existing technological restrictions... Once we're besieged, Harbin Institute of Technology's excellent situation will be gone due to a broken funding chain!"

Minister Zheng said in a deep voice.

"Minister Zheng, the development of the school-enterprise cooperation office was something we had not anticipated."

Hearing that Minister Zheng's reason was this, Li Rui sighed helplessly, "Initially, Xie Wei proposed using profits from civilian products to supplement military technology research and development, and using military technology projects to promote supporting industries..."

"So, the current situation is something you didn't consider before. Is the current situation because it's difficult to arrange things for him?"

After listening to Li Rui's explanation, Minister Zheng frowned and asked.

Are we just going to refuse to make arrangements?
Having worked within the system for decades, Minister Zheng naturally didn't believe Li Rui's words. "You want to hide him? Do you think you can hide him? Unless he does nothing. If he really does nothing, his future will be ruined. Now is precisely the time when the country urgently needs talent!"

"Minister Zheng, how could that be!"

Li Rui immediately and firmly denied it, saying, "I'm not in the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry right now, and we're short-staffed just like them, aren't we? I'm not thinking of getting rid of Xie Wei!"

"reason!"

Minister Zheng's tone became stern.

He knew Li Rui was a tough nut to crack; if he tried to reason with him, Li Rui would probably keep dodging his questions all day.

"Xie Wei is only a junior. Giving him an administrative rank would be inappropriate given his age; even a full section chief would be too low a rank for him... So the school has assigned him a lecturer position..."

Li Rui explained.

"A lecturer? Xie Wei has time to teach?"

"Being a lecturer doesn't necessarily mean teaching classes. Wait two more years, then apply for associate professorship, and concurrently serve as deputy director of the university-enterprise cooperation office, at the deputy division level..."

"Isn't this against the rules?"

A mocking expression appeared on Minister Zheng's face.

"Special case, special treatment!"

Li Rui wasn't embarrassed at all.

"Since that's the case, it won't work if the School-Enterprise Cooperation Office doesn't appoint a person in charge. If you don't have a candidate to recommend, the department will. Xie Wei was originally an advisor with only advisory authority. I think he can temporarily act as the deputy director of the School-Enterprise Cooperation Office at the section-level, and be responsible for all aspects of the work..."

Minister Zheng did not care about Li Rui's opinion.

This time, it's not just a test.

The arrangements Li Rui made left Xie Wei's future uncertain.

"Minister Zheng, Xie Wei is not only suited for a management career... His talent in technological research and development should not be overlooked!"

"A management position would better showcase his technical R&D talent. Aren't many organizations always complaining that the root cause of their stagnation is being managed by managers who don't understand technology? Xie Wei understands technology and also has strong management skills..."

I do not know how?
Li Rui looked at Minister Zheng with a speechless expression.

Holding a management position will certainly lead to a higher administrative rank in the future.

Li Rui discussed the matter with Du Guowang, Liang Hongbin, and others many times, but they still couldn't determine Xie Wei's future direction.

"Minister Zheng, I think we should ask Comrade Xie Wei for his personal opinion, no matter what."

Left with no other option, Li Rui directly used Xie Wei's own opinion to make a point.

Whatever choice Xie Wei makes, even if they have regrets, they won't feel too guilty.

"Vice Minister Hu went to Harbin Institute of Technology, not only to place an order for 100 machining centers, but also for Xie Wei's promotion!"

Seeing Minister Zheng's serious expression, Li Rui knew that the leader in front of him had made up his mind.

Fortunately.

The Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry did not disrespect Xie Wei's personal wishes.

Although these days personal will is not important in the face of national needs, everyone is just a brick, and we are moved wherever we are needed in the process of modernization.

······
"An order for 100 machining centers? Ordered by the department?"

Upon hearing Vice Minister Hu explain the purpose of his visit, Du Guowang became instantly excited.

Unlike the CNC lathe systems used in the 800 sets of modified machine tools, the ministry purchased a complete CNC machining center this time. This means that the three-axis, three-linkage CNC machine tool jointly developed by Harbin Institute of Technology and Harbin First Machinery Group has been recognized by users.

"has a problem?"

Vice Minister Hu raised an eyebrow.

"no!"

Du Guowang hurriedly shook his head, then looked at Vice Minister Hu, "Minister, we have already launched a three-axis product with decent precision, and CNC systems can also add a fourth axis as an accessory... Doesn't the ministry have any needs in this regard?"

At this moment, Du Guowang was taking advantage of the situation and pushing his luck.

The department is supporting the order.

Providing R&D funding would be a greater form of support.

"Let's get the finished product out first. If it meets the ministry's development needs, we'll naturally get plenty of orders!"

Vice Minister Hu glanced at Du Guowang with a complicated expression.

"That's nature! That's nature!"

Du Guowang answered awkwardly.

The order for the three-axis machining center came suddenly. Although Harbin No. 1 Machinery Group had already started manufacturing the first batch of equipment, it was actually a small-batch trial production for testing and improvement.

Who would have thought that Changzheng Machinery Factory would place an order for 40 units?

Immediately afterwards, the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry placed an order for another 100 units.

140 units. Even excluding the first batch of 10 units produced in a small batch, this is probably something that the newly established CNC machine tool manufacturing plant would not be able to complete in a year!

"20 or 60 CNC lathes, will the processing fee be used to pay for them?"

Xie Wei squinted at Sun Maocheng, the factory director of Jiangshan Machinery Factory.

Seeing that Xie Wei did not answer directly, Sun Maocheng began to worry, "Comrade Xie Wei, is there a problem?"

The order was placed by Harbin Institute of Technology.

Using the processing fees that Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) needs to pay to Jiangshan Machinery Factory to purchase a machining center jointly developed by HIT and Harbin No. 1 Machinery Plant, is a rebate to HIT!
"You don't know the purpose of your purchase of the three-axis machining center..."

Jiangshan Machinery Factory has taken out a loan from Harbin Institute of Technology's school-enterprise cooperation office, ordered program-controlled switches developed by Harbin Institute of Technology, and now it wants to purchase a large number of CNC machine tools. Instead of giving them money directly, the money will be deducted from the cost of rockets they have undertaken.

How could Xie Wei not be suspicious!
Risks must be controlled.

The other party proposed a loan of 1000 million yuan from Harbin Institute of Technology to upgrade its processing capacity.

"Many components of the 150mm long-range rocket engine require high precision, necessitating machining centers to improve efficiency. Furthermore, automotive parts are mass-produced, and we believe that CNC machine tools offer significantly higher precision and efficiency than conventional machine tools. We plan to build a fully CNC machine tool precision machining workshop, which will allow us to undertake more high-precision machining projects!"

Vice President Yang Yanwu, who was with Sun Maocheng, earnestly explained to Xie Wei, "Of course, we hope to undertake more product processing business from your school after the rocket production is completed."

Seeing that Xie Wei remained silent, Sun Maocheng quickly added.

During their few days here, they have become clear about the impact of Xie Wei's attitude on the entire Harbin Institute of Technology.

Once Xie Wei is dealt with, everything else will be fine.

“In principle, I agree. However, Changzheng Machinery Factory had already ordered 40 machining centers before this... The production capacity has not yet been built up, and delivery will be at least six months later.”

"We can wait!"

Sun Maocheng and Yang Yanwu answered in unison.

"Alright, then you should talk to Harbin First Machinery Group about the procurement contract."

Xie Wei rubbed his throbbing temples.

He was overwhelmed by all the things that were happening, but there was nothing he could do. After Wang Zheng left, all the work from the school-enterprise cooperation office fell on his shoulders.

He even somewhat regretted arranging for Wang Zheng to go to Hong Kong.

I don't know what's gotten into the leaders of the organizations that cooperate with the university lately, they're all rushing to import various products developed by Harbin Institute of Technology. As a result, Xie Wei hasn't even had time to finalize the large order from Abdullah.

Yitzhak hasn't come to see Xie Wei these past few days.

Even after Abdullah arrived, negotiations were not initiated immediately.

It's already the afternoon of September 21st, and the Iran-Iraq War is just over ten hours away from starting.

now.

Northern Building.

"Yzak, do you really think this plan will work?"

Abdullah looked at Yitzhak, his most valued subordinate, with a serious expression. Yitzhak was not only someone he valued most, but also someone the president valued highly.

"It's feasible! With this troop configuration, we can effectively make up for the problems of low cultural literacy and poor combat skills among our officers and soldiers. The combat effectiveness of the entire force can increase exponentially."

Yitzhak answered with his chest out.

After talking with Xie Wei, he realized that Xie Wei's proposed plan seemed to be tailor-made for their troops.

"But……"

A look of worry appeared on Abdullah's face.

"General, we can order a few bombers from China first, and then transfer a batch of man-portable air defense systems and short-range air defense systems from within the country... I suggest His Majesty form a brigade first..."

"Yzak said."

This means that they only need to purchase a squadron-sized number of light fighter-bombers from China.

They could even forgo importing fighter-bombers from China and directly use the Su-20s already in service with the Iraqi Air Force. As long as such a force structure could demonstrate formidable combat capability, Yitzhak believed the president would not hesitate to purchase more advanced light fighter-bombers from China to enhance the combat effectiveness of the presidential guard.

"Lieutenant Colonel, this isn't right! We're considering enhancing the combat effectiveness of our armored forces! The strength of armored forces lies in their high mobility and fierce firepower. Since we already have attack helicopters, what's the point of having light tactical bombers? Fighter jets need airfields to take off and land!"

Abdullah was equally tempted by Yitzhak's words.

The funds allocated by the president have already been used to purchase rocket launchers and ammunition, and the president's task of obtaining the solid fuel propellant formula has not even been completed.

A single light tactical bomber costs over $4 million to procure. A squadron would need at least two squadrons of four aircraft each, which would bring the total procurement cost to at least $32 million.

"Bombers are only used to bomb enemy armored formations and enhance the offensive capabilities of our forces... In this way, our forces will be able to confront a larger-scale enemy."

"Then let's go back and give it a try. Didn't you say that China's light bombers need to be modified?"

Abdullah shook his head.

Let's go back and try it out first.

If he has enough budget, he wouldn't mind buying a few more tactical bombers.

The problem is that the current budget has already been spent.

"Let's sign the contract with Harbin Institute of Technology first! The president personally ordered us to return to China as soon as possible!"

So, the next morning, several hours after the start of the Iran-Iraq War, before Chinese radio broadcasts had even reported the start of the war, Abdullah and Shewe sat down face to face once again.

"Thank you, we accept your terms... but I have one request: whatever rocket artillery launch systems and rockets you have produced, we must take them all with us when we return!"

Abdullah didn't beat around the bush.

He got straight to the point and stated his conditions.

"General, the production cycle for long-range rocket launchers is quite long. We started arranging production when you placed your first order, and it will take at least three more months to deliver the first batch of rocket launchers..."

"Don't you have four launch systems in your testing workshop?"

Yitzhak was displeased.

He frequently visited the rocket launcher test workshop, which housed four launch systems.

"Lieutenant Colonel, the four launch systems inside are all experimental. One of them was one of the earliest prototypes to undergo environmental testing, and the other three are also experimental..."

Liu Debao hurriedly explained.

I never expected such a large order.

The first set of samples was carried by Fang Pengju's team from Northeast to Northwest China for various environmental tests. Although it could still launch rockets, it was not far from being scrapped.

The other three sets were samples produced by Fang Pengju's team after improvements were made during the testing process.

Almost every set has some improvements.

All products for sale are improved versions.

"We need our troops to adapt as quickly as possible! At the same time, we hope that you will send a group of instructors to teach our seed instructors to master the operation in the shortest possible time!"

Abdullah's tone left no room for refusal.

The Iran-Iraq War has already begun.

Do these people in front of me already know the news?

Seeing the impatient Abdullah, Xie Wei's mind raced.

In the early stages of the Iran-Iraq War, the Iraqi army was on the offensive. Due to the purge of its troops, the command system of the Iraqi National Army and the Revolutionary Guard under Khomeini was almost paralyzed. Even with the fearless Revolutionary Guard sacrificing their lives to stop the Iraqi army's overwhelming force, they still could not stop it.

It wasn't until October that the Iranian army managed to halt the Iraqi army's offensive.

During this phase, there was almost no opportunity to use long-range rocket artillery.

In the subsequent stalemate, Saddam Hussein will certainly not hesitate to use the expensively purchased 150mm long-range rocket launchers in order to break the deadlock.

This is your chance!

A tremendous opportunity.

If the 150mm long-range rocket artillery proves to be a formidable weapon on the battlefield, how could Iran not buy it?

Moreover, even with the 150mm long-range rocket artillery, Iraq would not be able to advance its front line much further; the fact that both sides were fighting a low-level war with the world's most advanced weapons was a foregone conclusion.

"Sure! All four sets will be delivered to you for training your seed instructors! But I must clarify that these are experimental products, and they differ significantly from the ones you ordered..."

After Xie Wei understood, he said he could deliver the four sets of test samples from the experimental workshop to the other party.

"Xie Wei, those haven't undergone much testing!"

Liu Debao became anxious.

(End of this chapter)