Four hours after the regular meeting ended, Chen Nian received the technical development path suggestions from the core group.
As he expected, in terms of applied technology, the core group finally reached an agreement and recommended limited development of the aerospace industry.
In terms of biased theory, nuclear fusion is popular and has been unanimously recommended.
Chen Nian didn't have much objection to the general direction of the core group, so he directly incorporated it into his plan.
Broken down, he has two more technical goals:
A one-step space station project and a Tokamak controllable nuclear fusion project.
The number of source points consumed by these two projects has reached more than four digits. The space station project is not bad, only requiring 1,200 source points.
However, the consumption of the Tokamak project is a bit exaggerated, reaching 3,400 source points.
Chen Nian does not intend to directly analyze the technologies involved in these two projects, because it is obvious that some of the technologies involved can be naturally solved in the subsequent development process.
For example, the confinement magnetic field required by the tokamak device can be achieved using metallic hydrogen room-temperature superconducting materials.
Therefore, his next work is also obvious:
Continue to study in the field of materials science, brush up on the source, and at the same time start to get in touch with basic knowledge related to aerospace and tokamak devices, prepare to dismantle the two technologies, and select the core technologies to analyze one by one.
After entering the latest task into the task manager, Chen Nian breathed a sigh of relief.
He vaguely felt that he had seen the prototype of the future.
Nuclear fusion solves the problem of energy production, and metallic hydrogen solves the problem of transportation and storage.
After the most basic problem of energy is solved, what will usher in will inevitably be the explosive development of other industries and other technologies.
——
However, it is too early to think about this now.
Long-term tasks aside, the top priority now is to resolve the cross-strait situation.
It is a pity that Chen Nian cannot block the other party's visit process, nor can he participate in the military mobilization.
Regarding the development of the situation, what he can do is actually not much better than an ordinary Chinese person.
Chengfei, in the Wujian-9 project laboratory.
Chen Rong, the chief engineer in charge of the project, stretched his arms, trying to regain elasticity in the slightly stiff muscles after a night of overtime work.
Opposite him, the assistant was comparing the content summarized on the screen and reporting the latest progress information.
"So the current situation is clear, the radar issue has been completely resolved and we are using low-observability radar technology provided by 14."
"The radar model is KLJ-8 AESA radar, and it is also equipped with low detectability power control technology."
"In full power mode, the radar detection range can reach 420 kilometers. In LPI mode, when detecting targets 150 kilometers away, the receiver in the near side lobe position cannot receive the radiation source."
"In other words, if the LPI mode is used, after using the data link system to guide the approach, the detected target will not even be able to receive continuous echo signals within a range of 100km."
"In this case, whether it is close reconnaissance or surprise attack, we can achieve extremely high efficiency."
"But in the final analysis, the Wujian-9 is mainly used as a reconnaissance aircraft. I have always said that this low-detectability technology can be dispensed with."
Chen Rong interrupted the assistant, who was stunned for a moment, then replied with a smile:
"If we follow our previous design, we can indeed reduce the size of the radar to make room."
"But now, the size of the TBCC engine is lower than expected, and the space saved is not wasted."
"Otherwise, what can we do if it is empty? The electronic jamming system has also been integrated. The magazine is preset with space for two PL-15 rounds, and there is no need for a pilot's cockpit."
"That's true."
Chen Rong nodded slightly, agreeing with the assistant's point of view.
In fact, this issue has been discussed many times in the early stages of the project. Because the size of the TBCC engine was lower than expected, Chengdu Aircraft even had a big quarrel with the power station, accusing them of arbitrarily changing the design standards and delaying the project progress.
But their reasons are very good. Changing the airframe design is easier than changing the engine design. Moreover, the engine size is small, which belongs to project optimization. Can you say that the optimization is not good?
Therefore, in the end, Chen Rong chose to compromise. Fortunately, the changes that needed to be made were not major, and he finally got through it smoothly.
However, there are different views within and outside the project team regarding the space saved.
Chen Rong himself advocated making the Wuzhen-9 flatter to obtain better speed performance. However, most people opposed major changes to the body frame. Instead, they chose to change the project logic and change the pure reconnaissance purpose to surveillance. Fight as one.
"What about the other parts? What are the results of the roaster test?"
"It's done. The heat dissipation efficiency of the corrugated structure and the new skin material is not much different from expected. However, one bad result is that the heat resistance of the variable wing connection is significantly weaker than other locations."
"In other words, this location has become a structural vulnerability and heat deposition point at the same time. Material replacement may be necessary in the future to ensure the strength of the body."
"But no matter what, we cannot solve the problem of stealth skin loss in the short term. We can only make up for it after flying a few times."
"New airplanes are definitely not perfect."
Chen Rong was not surprised by this. He had already seen this problem in the early airframe design stage, and he knew in his heart that this was a problem that could not be solved in the short term.
Therefore, what the project team has to do is not to find ways to solve the problem, but to achieve the same goal through logistical support and relatively "stupid" methods.
To put it bluntly, the Wujian-9 is not a main battle aircraft that requires large-scale service and large-scale equipment. Its positioning, like the Blackbird and the F-111, is a special strategic aircraft.
Not to mention replenishing the skin after flying several times, even if it is replenished once every flight, the logistical pressure it brings is actually limited.
Ignoring this issue, the two continued to discuss other details, and in the end, the two concluded that they finally formed a number:
10 days.
According to the current efficiency of the simultaneous operation of multiple systems and departments, Wujian-9 will be able to complete the final assembly and enter the test flight phase in up to 10 days.
All things considered, this aircraft took only four months in total from design to test flight, which can be said to have set a record in aviation history.
Of course, such efficiency is closely related to its particularity.
Green light in key technical areas, maximum resource support, and unmanned solutions that do not require personnel safety to be considered
But anyway, that's how it was born.
When it flies into the air, no one will see it, but all enemies will be shrouded in its shadow.
New York International Airport.
Pickering was already sitting in the airport lounge. In two hours, he would board this special flight and start his fateful trip.
At this time, he seemed a little restless, and even the hand holding the coffee was trembling slightly.
It is impossible to say that he is not nervous. After all, judging from the situation in the past few days, the risk of his trip is too high.
Both the Corner House and Congress refused to endorse his actions, and even issued public statements stating that his trip was entirely a personal act during the holidays.
China issued multiple warnings in succession, warning him that if the aircraft enters the airspace controlled by the other party, he will be responsible for the consequences.
What does "he shall bear the consequences himself" mean?
This sounds simple, but it actually has a profound meaning.
The core point lies in the word "self".
This means that a certain tacit understanding has been reached, and he took the initiative to cut himself off from the officialdom.
The consequence of cutting is
You are responsible for all consequences.
Of course, Pickering believed that if such a thing really happened, it would be almost impossible for the higher-ups to just sit idly by.
But the problem is, without the pressure they exert, once you really take action, what room for regrets do you have?
A life in vain?
You know, the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier has been silent for a long time, and it is almost certain that it will not participate in this operation.
At the same time, the attitude of the South Island is also extremely ambiguous.
On the one hand, they strongly support the trip.
On the other hand, Pickering's request for escort was rejected.
What is this called?
The risk is all on themselves, and they are not even willing to stretch out their hands.
Pickering once wanted to cancel the trip, but the too-smooth situation in the early stage apparently went to his head, and the impact of the event expanded beyond his expectations.
He was already on the fire, and everyone was watching his next move.
For him, in a so-called "elected government" like the United States, once he admits defeat, it means the complete end of his political career.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
Then, he turned to the security personnel accompanying him and asked:
"Webber, are you scared?"
David Weber shook his head silently and replied:
"I'm not afraid."
"Why?"
"Do you know that there is a direct risk of being shot down on this flight of ours?"
Pickering asked reluctantly.
This is also human nature. When a person's fear reaches the extreme, the best way to eliminate fear is to share his fear with others.
"I know—but I also know that we can't get to that point."
"What's the meaning?"
Looking at Webb's extremely calm expression, Pickering couldn't help but become curious.
"Do you think that China is afraid to take action? Or do you think that Jiaolou will attack at the last moment to ensure our safety?"
After hearing his words, Weber shook his head helplessly and replied:
"Mr. Pickering, although I am just an ordinary agent, I still have a basic understanding of some things."
"They don't dare to take action? Do you think it's possible?"
"It has reached this level. The only reason why there is no friction between them is Nandao's restraint."
"In this case, do you think they will not dare to take action? Anyway, in my opinion, there is no essential difference between one enemy and two enemies."
"I think it's the same for them."
"As for the turret, you may not be familiar with the military dispatch process, but I want to tell you that if they were to participate, the briefing would have been sent to your computer at least a week in advance."
Pickering pursed his lips tightly. Weber's words could be said to have shattered his last chance.
He became more and more restless, and after finally swallowing a sip of coffee, he continued to ask:
"So why?"
Weber looked at him with a half-smile, and said in a slightly teasing tone:
"Isn't the answer obvious?"
"The Chinese people will give you a chance, and I believe you will seize this opportunity."
As soon as these words were spoken, Pickering fell silent.
Yes
For him, whether to board the plane and whether to land on the ground are actually two different things.
What he was most worried about was actually that the other party wouldn't give him a chance.
If possible, he would even like to have the pilot fly around America and then land directly back in New York.
But unfortunately, there were too many people paying attention to this matter, and he was unable to make such an opportunistic operation.
Pickering clenched his fists silently and prayed silently in his heart.
The content of his prayer was "mercy to the enemy".
Two hours later, Pickering's special plane took off on time.
After the response signal of this Boeing 737 appeared on the flight tracking website, almost the whole world's attention was attracted by this flashing light spot.
There is no doubt that judging from the course, it is indeed flying towards the Pacific Ocean and towards the island.
Four hours later, the light point crossed the American continent and flew out of U.S. airspace.
After that, the flight passed over Alaska, and the trajectory arc gradually began to "fall" southward.
Eight hours later, the flight arrived in the Western Pacific, with less than six hours left to its final destination.
Under deliberate suppression, the discussion on this matter within China, whether in the official media or on the Internet, does not seem to be too hot.
Some people have even begun to conclude that China has actually given in, tried to downplay the impact, and will eventually let the plane land.
Perhaps, only those who secretly monitor China's movements know how dangerous the current situation is.
They know their opponents too well.
When they speak out frequently and shout with all their strength, it often means that they still have leeway and their intention to "do business" is greater than flipping the table.
But when they suddenly fell silent, everything changed.
That shows that they are ready and something big will happen.
Ten hours later, the light circled in a small circle over the western Pacific.
Everyone believed that this was the last course adjustment before landing, in order to avoid China's intensive air and sea reconnaissance in this sea area.
——
However, things developed beyond everyone's expectations.
At that moment, the light spot representing the Boeing 737 suddenly disappeared.
There are no signs.
At the same time, the voices of the South Island media also disappeared.
A minute ago, TV programs were cheering for this trip.
After a minute, the screen was cut off and replaced with landscape films and cartoons.
(End of chapter)
