Chapter 167: A Perfect Flight

The aircraft shifted into level flight. As this was its maiden voyage, the altitude and speed were kept relatively low—a standard protocol for all new aircraft.

After maintaining level flight for a while and drifting into the distance, the test pilot prepared to turn. Although the new aircraft featured significant modifications in many areas, its aerodynamic control surfaces remained largely similar to those of the J-7.

Navigating with practiced ease, the pilot executed a wide-radius turn. Had it not been for the restrictions of a maiden flight, Yan Xiufu could have easily leveraged his years of experience to perform a sharp, elegant maneuver.

Seeing the aircraft turn and head back, the crowd once again looked up, tracking the returning test plane.

The maiden flight program was simple, with no demanding requirements or long duration. After circling the airfield a few times, the aircraft—which carried minimal fuel for safety—began to reach the end of its flight as the reserves dwindled.

Noticing the fuel gauge nearing empty, the pilot adjusted his course toward the runway for landing, guided by the control tower.

Suddenly, the voice of Chief Designer Yu crackled over the radio: "Comrade Yan Xiufu, given that all maiden flight tests have proceeded smoothly, the command team has collectively decided that, provided conditions permit, you may perform a low-altitude flyby before landing."

Fearing the impromptu decision might sound reckless, Chief Designer Yu added, "Of course, the choice to perform this low-altitude pass is entirely up to you. It is an optional maneuver."

Hearing this, Yan Xiufu, who had been feeling slightly stifled, felt a surge of enthusiasm. *This is more like it,* he thought. *A maiden flight should be bold.* The aircraft was a descendant of the J-7, a platform with a proven, reliable track record; there was nothing to worry about.

He quickly checked the aircraft's status. Although the fuel gauge needle was in the red, this was not an immediate crisis. A "low fuel" indicator is relative, and there was still enough fuel remaining for a flyby—the low-fuel warning had not yet sounded.

With safety margins confirmed, Yan Xiufu decided to commit to the flyby, eager to give the dignitaries on the viewing platform a spectacular surprise.

"Command, this is Test Pilot Yan Xiufu. I have received the message. Based on a comprehensive assessment of the onboard readings, I am preparing for a low-altitude flyby. Expected altitude: 80 meters."

***

The ground command team breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the pilot's decision. The die was cast, and now they simply had to watch.

The decision to authorize such a maneuver was not made lightly. First, the team had immense confidence in the new aircraft, which inherited the excellent lineage of the J-7. Second, the success of the preceding flight maneuvers suggested that they could afford to raise the stakes. The aircraft's double-delta wing design had already proven its superior low-speed performance during numerous tests with scale models.

The final, most pressing reason was the presence of so many high-ranking officials. If the maiden flight failed to leave a deep impression, it would be difficult to bolster the base’s standing in the eyes of the leadership. They couldn't guarantee these dignitaries would attend future test flights, so they had to seize this moment to showcase the aircraft’s most prominent capabilities.

Since low-altitude performance was the new aircraft's signature, a flyby was the perfect choice. While most aircraft are capable of such a maneuver, executing it during a maiden flight was a bold statement of excellence.

Chief Designer Yu left the command post and headed toward the runway, ready to join the dignitaries on the viewing platform for the thrilling conclusion.

"Chief Designer Yu, the maiden flight is nearing its end, isn't it? It seems to have been a great success. Very impressive," remarked the military official observing the flight. He was clearly pleased; as far as he was concerned, the aircraft was a sound design, and provided no major issues emerged, it would serve as an excellent trainer.

"The flight is not quite over yet," Yu replied as he reached the platform. "There is one more test item. Please, stay tuned."

As he spoke, the aircraft appeared in the distance, approaching slowly. Emphasizing its low-speed, low-altitude handling, the plane glided toward the viewing platform.

Seeing the aircraft bypass the landing and instead approach the platform at a low altitude, the dignitaries were captivated. This was clearly the highlight of the day.

***

The roar of the engines was deafening, leaving a profound impression on everyone present.

"A low-altitude flyby! Chief Designer Yu, your confidence in this new aircraft is truly extraordinary. Attempting this on a maiden flight—this is perhaps the finest maiden flight in the history of our Republic," the official exclaimed.

With the engines screaming, the aircraft streaked past the viewing platform in a display of raw power and grace. The crowd erupted; this was the kind of performance a new fighter should have. Its low-altitude, low-speed handling was unmatched among the Republic's current fleet. It was becoming clear that reconfiguring this aircraft into a single-seat fighter was not just a possibility—it was a necessity.

The reaction of the crowd gave Chief Designer Yu a surge of confidence. *This is exactly what we needed,* he thought. *With such a performance, securing future support should be straightforward.*

"Yes, our new aircraft boasts excellent performance, particularly at low altitudes," Yu explained. "Before this maiden flight, we conducted several unmanned test flights."

The dignitaries looked on with curiosity. "Unmanned test flights? We've never heard of such a thing. Is this a new technology?"

"We leveraged the advantages of our base to create several scale-model aircraft based on the new design's aerodynamics," Yu clarified. "We conducted flight tests with these models, which provided data even more realistic than wind tunnel simulations."

The dignitaries nodded, seemingly understanding the logic behind this innovative approach. They decided to set their curiosity aside for the moment to focus on the landing.

After the flyby, the pilot realigned the aircraft with the runway. Since the landing gear had remained extended throughout the flight, no adjustment was needed. The rear wheels touched down first, the impact vibrations rippling through the cockpit. As the speed dropped further, the nose gear settled onto the tarmac. The aircraft slowed, its momentum carrying it forward until it finally came to a steady halt directly in front of the viewing platform.