Chapter 166: First Takeoff

The maiden flight of the new aircraft at the factory was about to commence, and several distinguished guests had already taken their seats on the observation platform at the airfield: Mada De, Sultan, Old Wu, and even Director Yang had specially arranged his schedule to attend the inaugural flight.

The plane, towed by a tractor, smoothly rolled out from the hangar and stopped precisely on the runway. It was now time for the final pre-flight checks to ensure once more that the aircraft would not take to the skies with any issues.

Chief Designer Yu, the principal engineer of the new aircraft, was still communicating with the test pilot Yan Xiufu in the critical moments before the first flight—an essential practice.

“Old Yan, the success of this new aircraft’s test flight rests on you. Trust that our plane is flawless. Don’t feel too much pressure. I’ve already given the orders. Today, on Labor Day, you are the top model worker. Our celebration banquet is prepared just for you.”

Fully equipped in his flight gear, Yan Xiufu stood ready, waiting for the new aircraft’s maiden flight to begin. “Don’t worry, Chief Designer Yu. I have full confidence in your design and in this new paint scheme. Most importantly, I trust this hundred and some pounds of flesh,” he said with assurance.

Yan Xiufu’s confidence was well-founded. He was among the founding members of the Republic’s test flight unit, a veteran tester who had accumulated invaluable experience from the ground up. He had test-flown the J-6A and J-7II, and now, with every reason and authority, he was confident in taking the new super J-7 trainer aloft.

After bidding farewell to Chief Designer Yu, Yan Xiufu approached the runway. All pre-takeoff checks on the aircraft had been completed, except the ground power supply, which remained connected to ensure the aircraft’s electrical needs were met. The plane’s onboard backup power was precious and could not be wasted on the ground.

Circling the aircraft once more, Yan Xiufu admired the new paint and the sleek aerodynamic contours. This plane was noticeably different from the J-7s he had flown before. Quietly, he resolved to fly this aircraft safely into the sky and back again.

Returning to the boarding ladder, he handed over the aircraft to the engineers responsible for the flight checks, signing his name to acknowledge receipt of the plane.

Having accepted the aircraft, Yan Xiufu shook hands with the engineer and then resolutely climbed the ladder to the cockpit, carefully familiarizing himself with the brand-new cockpit interface and the comfortable capitalist-style flight seat.

Compared to the J-7, the new aircraft’s avionics had undergone significant upgrades, though the prototype itself remained largely unchanged. The only noticeable difference was the new seat, which felt quite good—no wonder the Middle Eastern oil magnates favored this new seating.

Yan Xiufu had reviewed the seat’s specifications; it was said to help pilots resist g-forces effectively. How well it worked was still unknown, as the maiden flight couldn’t test this feature, but he was determined to assess whether the seat lived up to its reputation in future flights.

After organizing his gear and checking the flight support systems, environmental controls, wing control surfaces, and radio communications—finding no issues—he gave the ground crew on the ladder the go-ahead to prepare for engine start.

Starting a jet engine was not as simple as turning on a piston engine. The jet engine required the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to spin it up initially, which was typically done by the APU driving the engine start.

However, the old J-7 prototype lacked an APU, so a ground power cart was needed to help start the engine. About twenty seconds later, a green start indicator lit up in the cockpit, signaling the engine was ready to start.

“Hiss... hiss...” The engine began running with the aid of the ground power cart. Yan Xiufu skillfully adjusted the throttle to idle.

The tachometer and thrust gauge showed steady readings, indicating the engine was running smoothly.

Though the WP-7 turbojet was somewhat outdated, it was still reliable in operation.

After starting, there was a brief wait before takeoff. Under the heat of the high-temperature gases, the airflow behind the aircraft visibly distorted and rippled like waves.

Wearing his oxygen mask, Yan Xiufu was unable to speak freely but communication was still possible. With a stylish hand gesture, he dismissed the boarding ladder, then forcefully lowered the canopy over about ten seconds as the ground power cart disconnected from the aircraft.

Now running independently, the plane only needed to increase engine thrust and release the brakes to begin taxiing for takeoff. The ground crew and power cart swiftly cleared the runway to avoid any accidents.

From afar, the leaders on the observation platform saw the canopy closed and the ground crew withdrawing. They knew the takeoff was imminent and eagerly raised their binoculars to witness every classic moment of the new aircraft’s maiden flight.

Though the Saudi and Pakistani officials had seen many planes take off—and even piloted some themselves—the first flight of a new aircraft was unprecedented for them. Naturally, there was a sense of freshness and excitement. This was a project funded by their homeland, like their own child, and so their emotions ran high.

The yellow and green paint scheme was striking, impossible to look away from. Their hands gripped the binoculars tightly as they watched the new aircraft’s flight.

Through the lenses, the test flight was clear—even the pilot’s movements inside the cockpit were visible. About seven minutes remained before takeoff as Yan Xiufu steadily increased engine thrust.

As the thrust grew, the pilot released the main brake. The plane, unrestrained, surged forward like a wild colt. Though not as powerful as a mature stallion, the eagerness to run was no less.

The aircraft began taxiing down the runway from its far end, drawing closer to the section before the observation platform. At this point, binoculars were no longer necessary.

Everyone lowered their binoculars simultaneously, watching the plane glide right before them. Not yet satisfied, they observed as it accelerated about 600 meters, reaching 124 knots (230 km/h). At this speed, it was ready to lift off.

Without hesitation, the pilot pulled the control stick back slightly. Instruments showed the aircraft had reached a 15-degree pitch angle.

Once the plane attained the takeoff angle, the nose landing gear naturally left the runway, followed promptly by the main landing gear.

As the aircraft climbed higher, it completed its takeoff.

“Well done, a perfect takeoff. This is a good omen,” Director Yang cheered.

His applause sparked a round of cheers and sustained clapping from the crowd—designers, manufacturers, managers, and all who had contributed to the new aircraft’s development shared this joyous moment.

The excitement in the crowd was swift but fleeting. The main focus remained on observing the flight. Celebrations could wait until the aircraft safely landed.

Beneath the blue sky, the yellow-green paint shone brilliantly against the azure backdrop, easily visible with just a glance upward.

The maiden flight did not require retracting the landing gear or reaching great altitudes. The plane simply circled the runway a few times, avoiding even minor overload maneuvers.

Though originally a highly maneuverable fighter trainer, the prototype flew that day with the grace and dignity of a civilian airliner.

Yan Xiufu was unaware of the crowd’s reactions on the ground. He only knew the new aircraft flew remarkably well—much more comfortably than the J-7II he had tested the previous year. The flight performance still seemed within the J-7’s range, making it a qualified advanced trainer developed from the J-7.

Having reached the required test flight altitude, he pushed the stick forward, leveling the aircraft into steady flight.

(To be continued.)