Chapter 186: Fastidious and Famous

After a long while, these unscrupulous journalists finally knew when to stop, allowing everyone to open their eyes and take a good look at the aircraft’s design.

Sensing the flashbulbs had ceased, I opened my eyes and carefully examined the full-scale, one-to-one model. I must say, the craftsmanship was truly exquisite; up close, it looked even more attractive than the real plane.

Of course, the main reason was that Yang Hui had not included the landing gear in the model, omitting the ugliest part of the Super J-7 trainer. When making models, it’s common to use minimal supports rather than landing gear, often opting for a fixed stand.

Struck a graceful pose, the new Super J-7 immediately gave off an aesthetically pleasing impression. The physical model boasted many advantages over the screen images and video footage, delivering a much stronger visual impact.

“What you’re seeing now is the exact model featured in our promotional video. We call it the Super J-7 trainer. As you may have already deduced, it serves multiple purposes. It’s an advanced trainer, but also a patrol aircraft, redefining what a trainer can be. Beyond training, it excels at border patrol and tactical simulations,” Yang Hui explained.

With a wave of his hand, Xie Lianfa handed over the promotional materials from behind. These contained the basic specifications of the Super J-7. Once distributed, they were quickly snapped up. The sudden appearance of this aircraft was so mysterious that no prior rumors had leaked.

Thus, it silently made its debut at the airshow, and these enigmatic elements continually stirred everyone’s curiosity, eager to uncover the truth.

At this moment, Sean, having perused the Super J-7’s data, grew increasingly puzzled. He felt compelled to clarify the questions swirling in his mind.

Sean, who had never before been involved with the Republic Defense Company, cautiously posed his inquiry.

“Sir, may I ask you a question? I have many curiosities about this aircraft and wonder if you might enlighten me?”

When someone asked a question, Yang Hui, having no pressing matters, decided to oblige. After all, it was his first time at the Van Paul Airshow, and he wanted to appear approachable.

Smiling, he nodded in agreement. “Of course, as long as it doesn’t involve classified details, I’m very willing to share all sorts of information about this aircraft with everyone. So, what is your question?”

It turned out that this man from the Republic was not as difficult to approach as expected. Sean felt his previous impressions of the Red Republic were being overturned.

“That’s excellent. My question is: what is the relationship between this aircraft and the Soviet MiG-21, or your Republic’s J-7? I can clearly see that this aircraft still carries the shadow of the MiG-21.”

That was a very good question. Yang Hui silently gave him thirty-two thumbs up in his mind—this was practically professional.

Yang Hui prepared to respond in detail to Sean’s question, as it aligned perfectly with the promotional message he wanted to convey.

“Our new aircraft indeed has a strong MiG-21 lineage. Its initial primary design requirement was for a supersonic trainer. It is the two-seat trainer variant of our J-7, and in many respects, it carries the bloodline of the J-7. However, it has now surpassed the J-7 and the MiG-21. With a new aerodynamic layout, new radar, and new engine, its performance exceeds that of its predecessor, the MiG-21. I believe those observant enough have already noticed this in the promotional video.”

Knowing the aircraft’s heritage satisfied many people’s curiosity, but they still stood quietly, seeming eager to hear more from Yang Hui.

With no other choice, Yang Hui decided to reveal a little more—this information was not really confidential, since the new plane was intended for export and there was no need to keep its performance a secret.

“I’m sure everyone wants to know what improvements have been made. I’ll briefly introduce them. You’ve all seen the new aerodynamic design, so I won’t elaborate. For radar, we chose the Blue Fox radar provided by Ferenti Company, which marks a revolutionary change compared to the MiG-21.”

At this point, a representative from Ferenti nodded slightly in agreement. “That’s right. The Blue Fox radar is used on the Sea Harrier aircraft. It has endured the trials of combat and proven to be reliable.”

So, it uses radar from the United Kingdom’s mighty empire—no wonder it was so advanced and elegant. The proud British, with their delicate vanity, must have been greatly satisfied.

Continuing to explain the aircraft’s enhancements, Yang Hui said, “For avionics, we collaborated with Marconi Company, which brings significant cockpit improvements. This aircraft is truly a testament to the friendship between China and the UK.”

The Marconi representative also expressed agreement. “Indeed, this new aircraft is the fruit of collaboration between Britain and the Republic. Let’s applaud the Sino-British friendship.”

Spurred on by Marconi’s enthusiasm, the audience erupted in thunderous applause. That’s more like it! No wonder this aircraft was exhibited in Hall One; as a symbol of Sino-British friendship, it certainly deserved the prime location.

Seeing the representatives from Ferenti and Marconi present, the reporters grew restless, eager to press further.

“Sir, hello, I’m a reporter from Jane’s Defence Weekly. Could you explain the nature of your cooperation with Ferenti and Marconi? Also, does this new aircraft have any connections with the Middle East? In the promotional video, we seemed to see men in white robes from the Middle East. Could you elaborate on that?”

Yang Hui chose not to answer these barrage questions now; it was not the right time. Such sensitive matters were better left for later.

“Regarding these topics of interest, we have no comment at this time. If you truly wish to know, please attend our press conference this afternoon, where we will announce some very important news.”

Yang Hui used the press conference as a means to dismiss the reporters, but the professional visitors to the airshow still posed challenges. Fortunately, there were many laborers present—Shi Ping from Hongdu, Ni Runfeng from Changhong, even Tu Jida from 0611—all standard laborers who needed no special treatment.

Taking turns, they finally settled the wave of excited and curious guests by noon. During the lull in visitors at midday, Yang Hui managed to grab a bite and instructed Shi Ping that the afternoon exhibition hall would be under his and Director Bai’s charge. As for the senior official from the Ministry of Electronics Industry who accompanied them, Yang Hui felt it best to let him manage himself.

The afternoon press conference was the main event, but everything had been well arranged in advance. With joint efforts from Marconi, Ferenti, and other equipment providers such as Martin-Baker, the press conference was meticulously organized.

Yang Hui represented Southwest Aviation Science & Technology United Company, Xie Lianfa represented AVIC Technology Development & Import-Export Company, Ni Runfeng represented Changhong, and Tu Jida represented Jinguan City Aircraft Factory—all indispensable attendees at the conference.

Yang Hui’s company staff busied themselves, while the journalists on site were equally busy, seeking the most explosive news and preparing the toughest questions.

For instance, a reporter from Jane’s Defence had prepared a particularly sharp question. He was confident that his question would provoke a sensitive reaction from another company involved in trainer aircraft production. This confidence was well-founded.

As a newly established military think tank, Jane’s Defence’s magazine sought fame through such provocative and revealing questions.

(End of excerpt.)