NOVEL NEXT Chapter 70
Chapter 70: Pillar of the Nation
“Liu… Chief Engineer, hello,” Fang Jian stood up and greeted him sincerely.
Although both Liu Zhenguo and Ji Youneng were addressed with the title “chief” in their names, Fang Jian’s expression when calling Ji Youneng hinted at playfulness.
Such “chiefs” were quite common, and he was polite on the surface without any strong emotions.
However, when he saw the “chief engineer” before him, he genuinely admired him. While most people might not know, Fang Jian, who had researched the history of domestic aerospace engine development, was well acquainted with this name. Showing respect was always appropriate for these individuals who dedicated their entire lives to the national defense cause.
“Chief Engineer Liu, please have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Liu Zhenguo’s attitude was very friendly, and he looked at Fang Jian with appreciation.
“Mr. Fang, first of all, I want to apologize to you.”
“Apologize?” Fang Jian blinked his eyes, feeling puzzled because he couldn’t think of any reason for the apology.
Liu Zhenguo sat down and said, “Mr. Fang, do you know why we suddenly approached you and requested to purchase aerospace engines?”
Fang Jian shook his head and said, “I don’t know.”
Liu Zhenguo pursed his lips and continued, “It was my idea. Originally, Brother Xu didn’t agree, but with my insistence, General Wang eventually approved it.”
He paused and continued, “I know this is risky, and the potential loss may outweigh the gains. But… we just can’t wait any longer.”
He picked up the glass of water in front of him, took a sip, and said, “Mr. Fang, how many years do you think there is a gap between our aerospace engines and those of another country?”
Fang Jian was startled and thought for a moment before saying, “It should be… quite significant.”
Liu Zhenguo chuckled and said, “We haven’t wasted these decades. The country has already overcome many key technologies in aerospace engine manufacturing. Through continuously conquering these key technologies, our country has produced the current WS-10 engine and the future WS-15 engine that may appear.”
“But our aerospace engine industry started relatively late, and we lacked relevant experience. Many countries imposed technological blockades on us. As a result, our aerospace engines have always relied on imports from abroad. In other words, the lifeline of our aerospace engine industry has been in the hands of others.”
Fang Jian raised an eyebrow and remarked, “But as far as I know, many fighter aircraft engines have already been domestically produced, right?”
According to Fang Jian’s understanding, aircraft models equipped with domestically produced Taihang engines included the J-16, J-11, J-10, J-15, and even the J-20, which had begun to undergo engine replacement. This indicated that China had completely moved away from Russian engines.
Among them, the mass-produced engine was the WS-10B, with a thrust of up to 14.5 tons and a thrust-to-weight ratio of about 8. Its service life had increased from over 1,500 hours to 3,000 hours. This achievement was already quite remarkable, which was why Fang Jian held such respect for the elderly man before him.
However, Liu Zhenguo shook his head slightly, sighed, and said, “Mr. Fang, our engines still can’t compare to theirs. Their F-110 engine is at the same level as our WS-10 engine, and their thrust is equivalent.”
“But the F-110 turbofan engine was finalized and put into production in early 1985. Regarding service life, the F-110 engine has already exceeded 8,000 hours, while our engines lag far behind.”
The old man’s expression was extremely solemn as he continued, “Moreover, our WS-10 engine is only a third-generation engine, while the engines equipped on the F-22, their fifth-generation stealth fighter, have long been in service for about 20 years.”
“Their most advanced F-119 turbofan engine has a maximum thrust of nearly 17 tons and a service life of over 10,000 hours. In comparison, China still has a long way to go in aerospace engines. That’s a difference of thirty years.”
Liu Zhenguo’s face was grave as he said, “So, after receiving your information, we all were enthusiastic and felt the need to thank you. Thank you for your contributions to the national defense cause.”
Fang Jian quickly replied, “Chief Engineer Liu, you are too polite.”
Liu Zhenguo pursed his lips, seeming a little hesitant.
Fang Jian immediately understood and smiled, saying, “Chief Engineer Liu, is there something else you need my help with?”
Liu Zhenguo smiled and said, “Yes, we have another request. I don’t know if your team can obtain these few items.”
He took out a list, and Fang Jian picked it up and took a look.
Well…
He didn’t recognize any of them! He also didn’t know if there was any overlap with the list from the previous chapter.