Chapter 118: The Wind Must Blow Swiftly

As soon as the Second Institute began sending its own people into the preliminary training team, the others naturally grew restless. The tendency to follow the crowd is a pronounced phenomenon in the Republic—not necessarily written into our genes, but certainly shaped by the cultural atmosphere we absorb from childhood. There’s no denying it.

Chief Engineer Yu quickly caught on. “That’s easy enough. Didn’t Yang Yue from our institute just go to Paris with your team? She’s absolutely suitable, I think we should include her.”

Yang Hui wholeheartedly agreed when he heard Chief Engineer Yu recommend Yang Yue for the trip to France.

Next came further nominations. Since the requirements were proficiency in foreign languages and youth, recent university graduates were the hottest candidates. Most of the base’s graduates were concentrated in the two main research institutes; the factories had little need for university graduates, so the two institutes claimed four out of the six spots—two apiece.

The remaining two spots went to two supporting factories involved in component development. In sum, factories solely responsible for manufacturing had virtually no slots; they would likely be excluded from upcoming domestic training and the introduction of computer design systems. Only those involved in research and development had a chance to study in France—and a real need for CATIA.

Once the plan for further training was settled, the atmosphere finally grew calmer, allowing for an orderly arrangement of the subsequent research plans. Chief Engineer Yu was the chief designer for the airframe and, naturally, had his own ideas about the new aircraft’s development.

“Now that we’ve successfully taken on this new trainer project and the funding is about to be allocated, we need to prepare. I’ll lay out the most urgent issues regarding the new aircraft, and everyone can weigh in.”

“First: The aerodynamic shape of our new aircraft exists only as a theoretical concept. But as everyone knows, theory alone isn’t enough. We need a thorough investigation of the new aircraft’s aerodynamics—to generate precise aerodynamic data and find the most accurate design solution.”

Everyone nodded. Although Base 0011 usually manufactured finished products based on ready designs without wind tunnel testing, they understood the importance of aerodynamic shape. Naturally, they supported the immediate commencement of wind tunnel tests; the design of the aerodynamic profile couldn’t wait.

“Yes, this needs to start now. If the aerodynamic design comes out late, it will definitely delay progress.”

It sounded simple enough, but implementation had its difficulties. Previously, Base 0011 merely reproduced fighters like the J-6 and J-7, with ready-made aerodynamic profiles and little need for wind tunnel tests. As a result, there weren’t many personnel dedicated to such experiments.

Chief Engineer Yu knew his institute’s researchers’ strengths intimately. Assigning so many personnel to wind tunnel testing was a challenge, so he had to seek other solutions.

Yang Hui noticed Chief Engineer Yu turn to him with a grin—though there was something off about that smile.

“Yang Hui, you’re in aerodynamics, aren’t you?”

Upon hearing this, Yang Hui immediately understood what Chief Engineer Yu was getting at. Director Bai likewise guessed most of Chief Engineer Yu’s intentions and promptly objected. Director Bai knew that if Yang Hui were asked directly, he’d be unable to refuse, but the Second Institute was also short-staffed. Yang Hui, after all, was leading a team of young engineers and had developed an engine together with them; how could they let him be poached?

“Yu, that’s not very fair. We’re short-handed too. If you need people, you should ask the Science Committee or the Aviation Ministry. Coming over to our institute to poach talent—what kind of behavior is that? You’re undermining internal unity.”

With the two institute directors now tussling over personnel, the others were at a loss. Internal matters were best resolved within.

Though Chief Engineer Yu’s rhetorical skills surpassed Director Bai’s, time was pressing, so he decided to tempt him with benefits.

“All right, Bai, don’t say I’m taking advantage. I’ll second Yang Hui, and next time university graduates are assigned, I’ll give you a student specializing in mechanical design from our institute’s quota.”

Chief Engineer Yu felt a pang at this—university graduates were precious resources, with fixed quotas each year. Losing even one was a great loss.

Director Bai, ever farsighted, reluctantly accepted the deal and added, “Yu, now we’re even—the last time we seconded Yang Yue, that’s settled. Now we’re seconding Yang Hui to you.”

Who says Director Bai can’t spar verbally? He simply doesn’t waste his breath unless it matters. At this critical moment, his shrewdness shone through: by seconding Yang Hui, he not only repaid the favor for Yang Yue but also gained a university graduate.

Shaking his head, Chief Engineer Yu hadn’t expected to be outmaneuvered. Rather than dwell on it, he turned back to the matter of aerodynamic testing.

Now that Yang Hui was seconded, Chief Engineer Yu began to press him. “Yang Hui, this new aircraft’s aerodynamic plan is your theoretical design, so I need you to bring the aerodynamics to life. Our institute doesn’t have many specialists in aerodynamic design—only about a dozen, and none are particularly accomplished. So, for now, you’ll take charge of the wind tunnel testing for the new aircraft’s aerodynamic profile.”

To be responsible for aerodynamic design so soon—it felt rather hasty, given that he’d only been working for half a year.

The wind tunnel trials for the new aircraft were crucial. Yang Hui was confident he could shape the profile, but...

“Chief Engineer Yu, with so few people, it’s simply not enough. You’ll need at least ten more—thirty at minimum. Also, having me in charge doesn’t seem to follow protocol.”

Seeing Yang Hui complain about manpower and procedures, Chief Engineer Yu nodded with a smile. “I know the issues you mention. For now, you’ll just temporarily oversee the new aircraft’s aerodynamic design. I’ll get in touch with professors from major aeronautical universities and ask them to help with wind tunnel tests. But the personnel from our base will be your responsibility. The dozen or so here are mostly amateurs, with few truly capable. So you’re the best fit.”

In later years, what was termed “industry-academia-research collaboration” had been practiced in the Republic long before. The model was simple: professors led their students in tackling urgent national projects. Common examples included geology lecturers and professors leading students across the Republic to search for minerals and oil. In the aviation system, Northwestern Polytechnical University was renowned; the later J-7E’s double-delta wing with combat flaps was their masterpiece.

Yang Hui nodded—this approach seemed promising. In 1983, most of the Republic’s wind tunnels were located in major northern aeronautical universities and research institutes. The largest wind tunnel cluster in Asia had not yet been fully constructed; only a few planned wind tunnels were operational in 1983. Thus, wind tunnel testing would be conducted at these northern universities, allowing for large-scale mobilization of local academic resources.

The more he considered it, the better it seemed. It would save considerable time.

“Chief Engineer Yu, that makes things easier. You can notify your institute to quickly bring their equipment to the capital. Start coordinating with the wind tunnel facilities and the universities. In about a week, your people will arrive and testing can begin immediately.”

With such a tight schedule, Chief Engineer Yu was very satisfied—every moment needed to be seized.

“Good, you must hurry. Without the aerodynamic profile, we can’t start structural design, especially for areas requiring aerodynamic modification. Those parts need aerodynamic data to support structural design.”

With the aerodynamic issue addressed, the avionics system tender now needed to be prioritized. Mechanical design couldn’t proceed yet, but research into avionics equipment could begin.

“We can start on avionics now. Immediately contact Factory 0132 and Marconi Company, and prepare to negotiate the avionics.”