What are the benefits of supersonic cruise?
The first is to fly fast. If you need to perform an emergency mission, you can reach the battlefield faster. It is faster to use afterburner, but you may run out of fuel. Therefore, you can fly without using afterburner, and the speed is still enough. Quick, that's the best plan.
Of course, the most important thing about supersonic cruise is to launch weapons. For any air-dropped weapon, the faster the speed, the farther it will fly. For example, the Jeddam bomb, which is based on ordinary bombs with a modified navigation kit. If a weapon is thrown at subsonic speed, it may only be thrown about ten kilometers outside the target. If it is thrown at supersonic speed, it may be twenty kilometers or even further. The farther the distance, the safer it is.
This is especially true for air-to-air missiles. The launch of air-to-air missiles depends heavily on the speed of the carrier aircraft. The higher the speed of the carrier aircraft, the farther the range of the missile. However, under normal circumstances, they are launched at subsonic speeds.
Supersonic launches will encounter many problems, and various airflow conditions are more complicated, especially since the stealth aircraft has a built-in bomb bay. How to open the bomb bay at supersonic speeds and how to eject the missile inside are all problems. However, Solve problems when you encounter them. By launching missiles at Mach 1.3, the original range of 40 kilometers can now be increased to 70 or 80 kilometers.
Supersonic cruise has many benefits and is a super capability that fourth-generation heavy-duty aircraft must have. This fighter of our own finally has this capability.
“Our improved turbofan 15A will still take a long time.” Qin Tao sighed with emotion.
He is not engaged in aviation, but he only has a rough idea of how difficult it is to develop a modern engine. Currently, two projects are being carried out simultaneously in China, the completely self-developed Turbofan X and the turbofan improved on the basis of Turbofan Fifteen. Fifteen A, both engines are experiencing difficulties.
The size of the turbofan 10 is very close to that of the third generation aircraft. Therefore, a large number of domestic Su-27 series aircraft and J-10 still use the turbofan 10, while the turbofan 15 is responsible for the important mission of modifying fourth-generation aircraft. Both There can be no delay.
This is a difficult process, but as long as this layer of window paper is pierced, Eastern aviation technology will usher in a leap! No matter how we change it in the future, it will be very easy, just like the turbofan ten in Qin Tao's original time and space. Once successful, ten A, ten B, and ten C will all break out of their cocoons and become advanced aviation power.
This is just the beginning.
Qin Tao is confident about this.
“I seem to have seen the side magazine?” Mr. Lin continued to ask.
"Yes, there is a side magazine on the left and right, and two combat missiles can be inserted into each." Mr. Song said: "Of course, it can also be a method of combating missiles on one side and cannon on the other. The main bomb bay below, Six medium-range or long-range air-to-air missiles can be stuffed inside. Of course, our bomb bay is very deep. When designing, we considered the possibility of carrying bombs inside. When necessary, it can also be used as a stealth weapon. Attack aircraft will be used.”
In the era of non-stealth aircraft, fighter planes carry a large number of missiles. Fighters like the Su-27 can be fully armed and take off with more than a dozen missiles. They can even use composite pylons to increase the number of missiles they can carry to meet high-intensity requirements. The need for combat.
However, in the era of stealth aircraft, due to the need for built-in bomb bays, the number of missiles has become very small. When the J-20 displays the bomb bay in the air, it usually contains four PL-15s. Of course, in this state This is misleading. Since the F22 can carry six angled AIM-120s in its bomb bay, the domestically produced J-20 can of course also carry six PL-15s in its main magazine. This is a long-range air-to-air missile with a range that is said to be Reaching 150 kilometers, relying on stealth capabilities, it can completely attack the opponent's early warning aircraft from a long distance.
This is just the first flight of the fighter plane, so there is no need to think so much. Problems such as the bomb bay will probably have to be solved later. The weapon system may still be counterweighted now.
Thinking of this, Qin Tao couldn't help but ask: "Does this fighter plane on its first flight have a radar?"
"Of course." Song Lao nodded: "It uses the latest domestic phased array radar. We are weak in the engine, but except for the engine, we are strong in other projects, and avionics is our strength!"
Already have a phased array radar!
Over the years, domestic radar technology has developed rapidly. In the 1980s, domestic fighter aircraft did not yet have a qualified pulse Doppler radar. In the 1990s, flat-panel slot antennas have begun to fly all over the sky, and Navy warships have begun to carry active phase control. Array radar and related industries have developed rapidly. In recent years, they have exported phased array radar components to Lao Maozi, which is also the X-band used by fighter jets.
During the export process of the J-31A, some tycoon countries proposed advanced airborne radars. Therefore, airborne phased array radars are also under development, and now there are finished products for the J-31A. , use it to improve it and use it on the J-20. There is no need for new research and development at all!
"The radar used is the radar provided for your Mingzhou Group's fourth-generation stealth aircraft. However, the area of the radar panel has increased, so more T/R components have been inserted, and the search distance and other indicators have been further increased. The latest The DSP chip and data processing capabilities have also been further enhanced. Fighters like ours can be used as early warning aircraft at any time."
Mr. Lin shook his head: "Waste, waste. The tactic of our stealth aircraft is to turn off the radar, receive the data from the early warning aircraft behind through the data link, and then sneak close to the target. You installed such a good radar, it is a complete waste."
"Yes, it cannot be used under normal circumstances, but when needed, for example, if the early warning aircraft at the rear encounters an unexpected incident, then you cannot become blind." Mr. Song said: "We not only have advanced Radar, as well as advanced optical equipment, have taken their performance to a new level.”
Su-27 series fighters have optical equipment, which is the ISRT in front of the cockpit windshield. With domestic technology developing rapidly, of course there are better optical equipment to serve as the eyes of the aircraft!
“Report!” At this moment, a maintenance staff ran over: “The aircraft has been inspected and is ready for flight. Please sign!”
Mr. Song only focused on talking to Qin Tao and others, not caring that this was the most important first flight ceremony, and seemed very relaxed.
Looking at the folder handed in front of him, there was a densely packed form paper on it. Each form on it was checked, and several names were signed below. Mr. Song also signed his own name.
“Who is the test pilot?” Qin Tao asked.
“Of course it’s Lei Zi. Such an important test flight mission must be handed over to Lei Zi.” Mr. Song said.
At this moment, Lei Zi, who was fully clothed, came over.
He is wearing a green-gray one-piece flight suit, with an anti-static suit on his lower body. There is a chart bag on his left leg, and a life jacket around his neck. This is a brand new flight suit, specially developed for the J-20, and the flight helmet is Carry it in your hand.
“This flight suit looks good, but this helmet, why is it still the same?” Qin Tao looked at the helmet and started to find faults.
"The helmet has not been developed yet." Lei Zi said: "My head was scanned some time ago. The new helmet will be produced one-on-one, using a new design scheme, light weight, strong function, and the front goggles It’s still holographic, but it takes time and I haven’t caught up yet.”
“Then can the HUD be removed?”
“It should be removed in the future.”
“Well, these technologies can also be used on our export aircraft in the future. I think such a one-to-one helmet is worth at least 20 million!” Qin Tao began to think about doing business again.
“Report, is it time for our first flight?” Lei Zi asked.
“That’s right, it’s time for the first flight. Please sign.” Mr. Song handed over the folder.
Lei Zi signed and at the same time wrote the words "first flight" in the test flight subject.
The first flight of the J-20 was carried out with ease because everyone was confident!
Lei Zi put down the test flight sheet, then strode towards the aircraft, closed the canopy, and then, under the command of the ground personnel, operated the control surface.
The canards, vertical tail, flaps, ventral fins, and various rudder surfaces move back and forth a few times, indicating that they are in good condition. This is also a normal pre-takeoff inspection.
After these tasks were completed, Lei Zi began to start the engine in an orderly manner. When the roar of the two turbofans 15 sounded, everyone stopped the discussion and looked at the aircraft. The J-20 is finally about to fly for the first time!
Qin Tao looked at his watch. It was a few minutes before eight o'clock.
“The first flight begins!” the test flight commander shouted loudly.
The J-20's engine spurted out blazing flames, the brakes were released, and the entire aircraft was like an arrow off the string, accelerating forward, faster and faster, faster and faster!
History will remember this day: At 8:01 on October 1, 2003, the J-20 left the ground and flew into the sky!
“Isn’t this short take-off capability too strong?” Qin Tao couldn’t help but sigh.
"Of course, the two 15-inch turbofans can provide thirty tons of thrust, and our canard layout fighter has positive lift, so of course it can take off at such a short distance." Mr. Song said proudly: "Wait until With the replacement of the turbofan 15A, our short takeoff capability will definitely be stronger than that of the F22."
The normal takeoff distance of the F22 is 420 meters. However, when necessary, especially when showing off, it will perform short-distance taxiing. The taxiing distance is only 240 meters, which makes countless people sigh.
What does this distance mean?
Even without a catapult, you can take off from an aircraft carrier!
“This plane can go directly to our aircraft carrier!” Wu Shengli, who had been staring at the plane, murmured.
Although Qin Tao came here with Wu Shengli, after arriving, Wu Shengli ran to watch the plane. Qin Tao did not join in the fun, but watched from a distance and talked with Mr. Lin and others.
Now, Qin Tao feels the same as Wu Shengli. It would be great if this kind of aircraft could be mounted on an aircraft carrier!
"Of course you can't go directly to the aircraft carrier. The landing gear needs to be strengthened, the fuselage needs to be treated with salt and moisture resistance, and a ship hook needs to be installed on the tail. These all need to be improved. This is not a big problem. Zhao Dangsheng and the others have been doing relevant research. Mr. Song said from the side: "The most important thing is that the Air Force attaches great importance to this aircraft. Therefore, the initial production capacity must be given to the Air Force, and your Navy must take a back seat."
“Why?” Wu Shengli was immediately dissatisfied.
“With the research and development funds provided by our air force.” A voice sounded.
“Humph, is having money a big deal? If it weren’t for building warships, our navy would be able to free up funds every minute to support research and development. Humph, you won’t give it if you say you won’t give it? Wait until the end of the year, let’s go to the leaders and cry about poverty.”
"Crying poor? Who believes it now! I heard that you ordered six 052DLs at one time? It is said that all ten slipways of Qiongzhou No. 3 Shipyard will be filled up. The remaining four are 055, right?"
The big guy laughed heartily again.
In the past few years, during the Chinese New Year, it was the time for the navy and army to pay New Year greetings. Everyone not only wanted to pay New Year greetings, but also cried out for poverty, so that they could reach out for money. In order to ask for money, everyone would cross the sea like the Eight Immortals and show off their magical powers.
The Air Force will ask how many Wuye aircraft we have to update, and the Army will take out the T-34. Did you see it? We are still using old tanks from World War II, and the Navy will even display some that are too small to wear, and some people will even put patches on their clothes. In order to save money, we haven’t changed our clothes in several years!
That was just in the past, who dares to mention it now?
The navy is poor? Whose family is so poor that a warship makes dumplings? Six 052Cs have been built, plus 052D and the currently built 052DL, even if 055 is not counted, the number of these advanced warships is comparable to that of Britain, France and other European countries combined! You are still making more and more money every year. How dare you cry about poverty?
While everyone was laughing, the roar of airplanes was heard in the sky.
The J-20 was like a bolt of lightning, roaring into the sky, reaching straight into the sky, but turned over with a flexible kite, turned and flew back to the airport, making a direct low-altitude pass!
The landing gear has been retracted, and you dare to do it like this on the first flight. This is the confidence of the powerful Eastern Aviation Industry! The pride of the mighty Chengfei!
Looking at the plane coming, everyone applauded.
From the side of the plane, it seems to have a very ordinary shape, but when it flew over, the huge fuselage was imprinted on everyone's retinas, and the roar stimulated everyone's eardrums. Everyone raised their hands and waved to the plane. , cheering, the scene became a sea of excitement.
The plane roared past, then turned around in the airspace ahead, flew back again, and made another low-altitude pass!
Over Huangtianba, there were constant roars and shouts of excitement. The entire eastern land was excited. The aviation industry of the motherland ushered in a new era. The world's second stealth heavy fighter was born!
Either it has two engines or it is a heavy fighter. Whether it is Typhoon, Rafale, MiG-29, or even F-18, they are all classified as medium-sized fighters. They only use two high-thrust engines and have a maximum take-off weight of more than 30 tons. To be considered heavy duty!
Heavy fighter aircraft have excellent power, ultra-long range, and multiple mounting capabilities. They are the trump card in air combat. However, at the same time, the purchase and maintenance prices of heavy fighter aircraft are also very high. Only few countries have the ability to equip heavy fighter aircraft.
As for the stealthy fourth-generation heavy-duty aircraft, for a long time, the United States was the only one. They could also rely on the F-22 to be complacent, thinking that this aircraft is the first in the world. Now, the East has the second one!
J-20, a fourth-generation heavy-duty stealth aircraft, is amazing for our country!
Everyone’s hearts were following the plane. It flew in the sky for a full eighteen minutes, then aligned with the runway and landed.
Looking at the landing of the plane, everyone's hearts were filled with excitement. The red star and the two numbers on the vertical tail were shining brightly.
The wheel touches the ground, decelerates and brakes. The front canard directly flips ninety degrees from a flat state to an upright state. In this way, it directly acts as a speed brake. This scene still looks very beautiful.
Then, two red parachutes were thrown out, and the plane continued to slow down and stopped steadily in the center of the runway.
Seeing someone running to retract the parachute, Qin Tao couldn't help but complain: "In the future, when our J-20 is declassified, many people will definitely complain about it. How old is it, and it still uses a parachute?" Bad review."
Mr. Song strode forward to greet the pilot on the apron. He turned to Qin Tao and said, "Is the speed parachute bad? It can save our troops the cost of use. Although carbon brakes are good, the price is not low. "
In the 1980s, when the people of China Eastern Airlines first saw the Mirage 2000 being braked directly, they were very shocked. They even ran to touch the brake pads and found that they were not hot at all. Only then did they realize that the West had already used cash. The carbon brakes are made of carbon, while domestic brake discs are still made of ordinary steel.
Over the years, domestic technology has developed rapidly, especially the research and development of fan clutch materials for vertical take-off and landing fighter jets, which has greatly promoted the development of friction materials. Directly braking the aircraft is no longer a problem for our own side.
But it’s expensive.
The deceleration parachute is very cheap, has a very good deceleration effect, and can be packed up after use. In order to save costs for the Air Force, the J-20 R&D team continued to use the deceleration parachute on this aircraft.
While talking, everyone had already rushed to the plane.
The ladder has been set up, the canopy is open, Lei Zi climbed out, looked at the crowd below, and said loudly: "This is a very outstanding airplane, the best airplane I have ever flown!"
There was another round of applause.
The young pioneers came to offer flowers to Lei Zi. Lei Zi held the flowers and turned to look at the plane again.
Beautiful, this is simply the master of Eastern Aviation Industry!
"By the way, does our plane still need a nickname?" Mr. Lin said: "Our planes are all named after dragons. This plane is so majestic and domineering, I think it will be called Veyron!"
After Mr. Lin finished speaking, he looked at Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, what do you think?"
I? Black ribbon! Looking at the yellow-skinned fighter, Qin Tao suppressed these words in his stomach. He must not say black ribbon, otherwise how would these guys look at him? The name Black Ribbon will be spread on the Internet in the future.