Chapter 320 The Chakri’s Best Companion
The Super Seven fighter jet was finally successfully developed by Mr. Tu with his firm perseverance, overcoming various difficulties and several ups and downs.
At the beginning, this aircraft was only planned to be modified on the basis of the J-7, from the nose air intake to the two-rib air intake, and at the same time, it was replaced with an F404 engine, so that its combat performance would reach 8% of the F-16. Ten, the price is much lower, relying on cost-effectiveness to enter the market.
The original partner was Lao Ba.
However, after entering the 1990s, due to various reasons, Lao Ba gave up this project, but Lao Tu has not given up yet. If Lao Ba stops doing it, then they, Factory 132, will do it themselves!
Of course, this is also because Factory 132 has made a lot of money by selling J-7s. Otherwise, how could one of their factories support such a military aircraft research and development project?
They have money, but they have a big disadvantage in terms of technology. After all, they are just a research and development room of a factory, not a large research institute.
So, Qin Tao once suggested that they go to Mikoyan Design Bureau and use Mikoyan Design Bureau's technology to help them improve this aircraft.
Lao Tu made countless trips to Moscow, and the development of the aircraft was getting smoother and smoother.
The original plan was to use the F404 engine. After the plan fell through, they had the R-33 engine of the MiG-29. After single-engine adaptability improvement, it could be used on the Super Seven. They also had Mikoyan's aerodynamic design experience. The entire aircraft The appearance should be considered fixed.
Now, all that is left is customers. Without customers, there is no point in building this aircraft.
Especially, the Air Force will definitely not want them. The J-10 and J-11 are the Air Force’s favorites. The Air Force will no longer want light fighter jets, and the Navy is even less likely to want them. They can only sell them.
Who are you selling it to?
“Lao Tu, to untie the bell, you still need someone to tie it.”
Hearing Qin Tao's words, Tu Lao thought thoughtfully: "Mr. Qin, are you talking about Lao Ba?"
Qin Tao nodded: "Although they gave up the Super Seven project, it does not mean that they do not need low-cost modern fighters. Moreover, this fighter can also be produced in their country. This is their biggest trump card. As Asan develops the LCA fighter, Lao Ba also needs to have a light fighter produced by himself, and he cannot be outcompeted by Asan."
"Moreover, after Lao Ba is equipped with this fighter jet, in order to share the cost and earn profits, Lao Ba will also help promote it, so that more countries will be interested in purchasing it. Maybe Siam can also purchase it. There’s a batch.”
Mr. Tu nodded vigorously: "Mr. Qin, you are right. We have to find Lao Ba again. I hope Lao Ba will like this aircraft."
“Definitely.”
Qin Tao can only comfort Tu Lao now. In fact, the largest user of the Super Seven is Lao Ba. After that, there are very few other customers. Only one or two countries have followed suit to purchase this type of fighter.
The biggest problem is the impact of second-hand F-16 and MiG-29 on the international market. Although the performance of Super Seven is not bad, the brand is not famous enough after all. Many potential users are skeptical. After comparison, they still purchase second-hand The light fighter went.
Furthermore, since the engine uses the RD-33, the Mikoyan Design Bureau will often come out to cause trouble, for fear that the Super Seven will steal the MiG-29 market. It was not until later that China was able to produce this kind of engine independently that it was freed from the constraints of the Mikoyan Design Bureau.
Although the export potential is not great, after all, with Lao Ba as a loyal customer, how can Qin Tao pour cold water on Tu Lao?
As for Siam, you can fool them. If they are willing to purchase, it will be a favor to Mr. Tu.
After finishing his trip in the Land of Abundance, Qin Tao returned to Huating, where he received a boatload of goodies from the Pacific Fleet, especially those Yak-38s. Qin Tao put them all at the air transport company, so that again It occupies an extra piece of the Navy's tarmac.
He was busy giving instructions during the day, and enjoying the life of a couple with his wife in the cozy home at night. After a few days of this, Qin Tao reluctantly returned to Mingzhou.
Back at the shipyard, Qin Tao went straight to the outfitting dock and was stunned for a moment.
"Where is the aircraft carrier Chakri?" Qin Tao couldn't help but ask after seeing that there was a big guy missing at the outfitting dock.
Although there are several other ships being outfitted, including air defense destroyers, comprehensive supply ships, natural gas ships, and bulk carriers, all of which are large, there is only one flat-deck aircraft carrier. Of course, that one The Kiev aircraft carrier park does not count.
Where did the Chakri go?
"A week ago, the outfitting of the Chakri was completed. Some of the remaining equipment will go to the dock in Siam to continue outfitting. So now, sea trials of this warship have begun." Qin Baoshan Said on the side: "People from our shipyard and naval representatives sent by Siam will conduct sea trials together."
“Sea test? The progress is really fast!” Qin Tao sighed with emotion.
"Of course it has to be fast. If it's too slow, it will be a breach of contract and we can't pay a large sum of money." Qin Baoshan said.
As he spoke, the outline of a warship appeared at the estuary in the distance. Its straight deck and island on the right were easily recognizable.
"came back!"
Qin Tao stood on the pier, looking at the warship from a distance, like a watchman's stone. As it gradually approached, he could clearly see the outlines of some people on the deck. One of them seemed to recognize him. Qin Tao waved his arms from a distance.
“Hey, Qin, you’re back, you’re finally back!” Rakul shouted loudly.
Qin Tao also had a happy face. Unexpectedly, he met a good friend. Since he is a good friend, everything will be easy!
With the help of the tugboat, the huge ship slowly docked. Qin Tao stepped aboard the Chakri and gave Lakul a close hug.
“My friend, long time no see.”
"Yes, Qin, where have you been during this time? I have asked many people, but they don't know your whereabouts. You are just like 007."
Qin Tao smiled: "The things I am going to do have to do with you."
“Is it related to us?”
"Yes, this aircraft carrier has begun sea trials and will be ready for service soon. However, it is different from other warships. As an aircraft carrier, if it only has one shell, it has no combat effectiveness. It must have a ship. Just take a plane."
"Yes, we also have a headache about this. We have been to the UK twice, but the second-hand Harrier fighter jets they have there are not in very good condition and the prices are not cheap. We have never made up our minds to buy them. We have real plans. If that doesn’t work, just use a few helicopters first.”
"By the way, Qin, do you have any good news?" Lakul asked quickly, thinking that Qin Tao just said he was doing some work for them.
"Yes, I have purchased a batch of Yak-38 fighter jets through secret channels." Qin Tao said: "These fighter jets are cheap and are definitely the best choice for you."
"cheap price?"
"Yes, each Yak-38 only costs one hundred thousand US dollars. If you want a cross, it will only cost one million US dollars."
What?
LaCour was shocked.
This price is absolutely unthinkable!
They asked about the Sea Harrier fighter jets. A brand-new one costs more than 30 million U.S. dollars, and a second-hand one costs two to three million U.S. dollars. This is just a bare machine. If all kinds of missiles are equipped, plus pilot training. The fees and prices will skyrocket and are simply not something they can afford.
Now, a plane for $100,000?
After a moment of surprise, LaCour hesitated again: "Can this kind of aircraft fly? Isn't it the same as the one over there, which can only be displayed statically?"
LaCour looked at the Kiev aircraft carrier park that was being renovated in the distance. When he came back, it came with two Yak-38s, which could only be displayed, not flown.
One hundred thousand dollars can’t even buy a model airplane! Bringing a real plane here only costs 100,000, which is ridiculously cheap and makes people suspicious.
"Of course it can fly. They are all retired and sealed fighter planes by Lao Maozi." Qin Tao said: "This price is also a friendly price between our friends. I didn't even ask for shipping. I bought one from Lao Maozi for US$100,000. Come back and sell it to you at the original price now. If it were sold to someone else, I would have to sell that one for one million."
If it is a normal airplane, it will cost one million, which is definitely not expensive. Now, one million can buy a cross, which is a great deal for them!
“Where is the plane?” LaCour asked.
"On the tarmac of the air transportation company affiliated to our group." Qin Tao said: "However, the sea trials of this aircraft carrier are very tense now. I'd better contact them and ask them to fly the plane over and land directly on this ship. How about on the aircraft carrier?"
Lacour was overjoyed when he heard this: "Of course, I will also report this news to the country. By the way, can those Yak-38s ski jump on the deck of our aircraft carrier and take off?"
“I’m not too sure about this. After all, I don’t have much contact with it. When the time comes, we can ask the pilots and other technicians who came with the plane. They should know better.”
The next morning, the air was clear and the whole shipyard was boiling.
Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group has an air transportation company under its umbrella, but this company is established in Huating, so people at the shipyard have never seen an aircraft in flight up close! As for vertical take-off and landing fighter jets? They had never seen any movement. The two aircraft on the Kiev were unable to move and were meaningless.
Today, it’s finally time to open your eyes!
On the ship island, a group of people stood there, full of expectations.
"Qin, I have already reported to the superiors. As long as our experiment goes well today and the Yak-38 can take off and land calmly from our aircraft carrier, the country will immediately allocate one million to purchase ten of them!"
●There’s nothing to say, it’s cheap, too cheap!
During the sea trials of the aircraft carrier, it was also necessary to test the take-off and landing characteristics of the carrier-based aircraft. Originally, they did not have a carrier-based aircraft and could not test it. Now, they finally have this opportunity!
One million U.S. dollars is nothing to Siam. It is less than the price of a Sea Harrier. To put it more bluntly, even if you buy it back and cannot use it, the money will be wasted, so you won’t feel bad. .
“Since the Yak-38 can take off and land on Lao Maozi’s heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser, of course there will be no problem taking off and landing here. Our flight deck is no smaller than that of the Kiev.”
Although the Kiev-class displacement is 40,000 tons, more than half of the deck area is occupied by huge islands and various weapons. Speaking of actual deck area, the small aircraft carrier in front of us can really Compare it with the Kiev class.
"I heard that the performance of the Yak-38 was not very good, so after using it, Lao Maozi decommissioned it and sealed it?" There were also different voices. For example, Grassi, the representative of the Siamese Navy who came with him for the test Yes, just with a skeptical attitude.
"The performance is not very good? Who told you that? A Westerner, right?" Qin Tao smiled: "We have a famous saying that without investigation, there is no right to speak. Westerners have never been exposed to the Yak-38, why? Do you know that the Yak-38 is not good?"
At this moment, there were bursts of roaring sounds in the distant sky. Everyone became excited. They looked through the portholes at the clear sky outside. Soon, they discovered two planes flying in. .
One of them is silver-white, with air intakes at the nose. It looks like a J-7 fighter jet that is heavily equipped in China. Flying with this aircraft is an aircraft with air intakes on both sides and a slightly bloated fuselage.
The aircraft was painted navy gray, with bright red five-stars painted on the wings and vertical tail. It lowered its altitude and flew around the aircraft carrier, showing off its graceful outline.
“Yes, it can indeed fly!” Rakulna exclaimed happily. The appearance of this plane is the same as the two planes in the aircraft carrier park, but it can fly!
As long as you can fly!
Well, that’s great!
LaCour watched the plane intently. When it flew to the other side, LaCour would run to the porthole on the other side to observe. Even when he looked at Jaina, he had never been so emotional.
After the Yak-38 circled the aircraft carrier, it came behind the aircraft carrier and began to slow down.
Everyone looked towards the stern of the ship. They knew that the biggest test was coming. Can the plane land accurately on their deck?
Yak-38 is advancing steadily, and its speed is getting slower and slower. At a distance of only 400 meters from the mothership, it is almost strolling, with a speed of only ten kilometers per hour.
If it were an ordinary aircraft, it would have stalled long ago in this situation, but a vertical take-off and landing fighter like the Yak-38 would be much easier, and this is its specialty.
At this time, the cover on the back of the aircraft has been opened, and the two lift engines inside are working at full speed. The main engine at the back has also tilted the nozzle downward to lift the aircraft together.
Getting closer and closer, the Yak-38 flew towards the aircraft carrier at an altitude of forty meters, only a dozen meters above the deck. Then, it stopped completely and entered a hover.
Everyone held their breath, watching the plane slowly descend after hovering, and finally, the tires firmly touched the deck.
“This is a perfect landing!” Rakul sighed. Then, he thought of something and rushed down the island quickly.
He had to see this plane with his own eyes!
In the middle of the night yesterday, some of Lao Maozi's engine crew and deck staff came to Mingzhou. They only rested for half the night and boarded the warship this morning. At this time, they were doing everything in an orderly manner. own job.
The roar disappeared, all the engines were shut down, a maintenance staff put up the gangway, the cabin cover opened, and the pilot Lao Maozi stepped down from it.
Money, it’s all money! When he walked down the gangway, Shepkov was still excited.
Since the collapse of the Red Empire, these armies of Lao Maozi have also fallen from the peak to the bottom. The previous honors are gone, and they even have difficulties in life. Later, Qin Tao helped them sell the Pacific Fleet at a high price. With the USS Sk, the Pacific Fleet has paid all the unpaid wages.
However, with the Minsk decommissioned and the Yak-38 decommissioned and mothballed, pilots, crew members, and deck staff all have no job opportunities. Seeing that they would be laid off in rounds of disarmament, I was filled with worry.
At this critical moment, Nikolai sent Zaitsev to find them and give them a new task, which can make money! Moreover, Zaitsev also revealed that Mr. Qin played a big role in the Minsk being sold at a high price last time.
Therefore, these people came to China without any hesitation. As soon as they arrived at the base in Huating, they each received a salary of one thousand US dollars. They were so happy in their hearts. But a pilot like Shepkov, after flying this trip, Another thousand dollars!
If he could fly, he would rather keep flying!
At this time, a large group of people rushed out from the other side of the ship island and rushed toward him.
“Its landing gear is very different from that of the Sea Harrier!” Tracier studied the differences between the two.
The aircraft in front of me uses the tricycle landing gear of an ordinary aircraft, while the Sea Harrier is unique and uses a bicycle. The two-wheel main landing gear at the rear is in line with the single-wheel landing gear at the front. Straight line, and at the same time, in order to prevent the aircraft from falling over, a small tire was installed on both sides of the wing as a fulcrum.
I am used to seeing ordinary aircraft, and when I look at the Sea Harrier, I always feel that it is a bit nondescript, but the Yak-38 in front of me is much more pleasing to the eye in this regard.
“Can the Yak-38 take off with a ski jump?” Lakour pounced directly on the pilot and asked Shepkov.
Shipkov spread his hands to show that he didn’t understand. The translator behind him came up and repeated Lakour’s words.
“Ordinary Yak-38 cannot take off by ski jump.”
“Why?” Rakul was stunned when he heard the translated words.
“Because of the regular Yak-38, the front landing gear cannot be operated internally. The pilot cannot control its roll.”
Is there such a useless setting? Rakul was speechless.
A fighter jet is like a tricycle on the ground. It can be towed by a tractor or operated by the pilot himself. With the engine in idle mode, the pilot can drive this expensive tricycle by himself, even all the way to the hangar. go.
In this case, it must be able to turn. For a tricycle like an airplane to turn, it must be turned by the front wheel.
There are pedals under the pilot's feet, which control the rudder in the sky. On the ground, they control the rotation of the wheel in front. Whichever pedal you press, the wheel will turn in that direction.
However, the Yak-38 does not have this design!
The Yak-38 is a vertical take-off and landing fighter. When landing, it can land directly on the tarmac. Occasionally if it needs to be moved, a tractor is used. On the deck of the aircraft carrier, the pilot cannot drive by himself and cannot stop the car. What to do in the sea?
So, Yak-38 does not have this setting.
However, if you want to take off by ski jump, the front wheel must be controlled by the pilot, so that if it goes off track, it can be corrected.
"If they can't take off by ski jump, then these aircraft will be useless." LaCour was a little disappointed.
When comparing the Yak-38 to the Sea Harrier, the Yak-38 is always downgraded to nothing, being an absolute piece of rubbish, a mast keeper. The Sea Harrier is different. The Sea Harrier has a combat radius of four hundred kilometers!
In fact, that’s because the Sea Harrier uses a short take-off and landing method. Ski-jump take-off consumes very little fuel. If it takes off and lands vertically, the Sea Harrier’s combat radius will be extremely reduced to 92 kilometers, which is appropriate. A proper mast keeper.
Siam’s aircraft carrier is equipped with a jump deck. If the Yak-38 cannot ski jump to take off, it will be too useless!
“Mr. Pilot, when you just talked about the ordinary Yak-38, is there also a special Yak-38?” At this time, Qin Tao appeared, and he wanted to give his old friend new hope.
Special Yak-38?
"Yes, the Yak-38 next to me was modified by our crew to facilitate maneuvering on the deck. The front wheel can be turned by the pilot. Moreover, after its engine reaches the end of its life, we return it to Replaced with an engine with greater thrust.”
The one in front of me is okay, and it has been replaced with an engine with greater thrust?
LaCour’s hope level is once again filled.
“Since it can ski-jump and take off, please give us a show.” Qin Tao spoke.
"OK."
During this period, the personnel on the deck also completed their work, refueling, adding oxygen, and checking. The aircraft was once again ready to take off.
With the push of more than a dozen people, the Yak-38 stopped steadily on the take-off line. Shepkov waved to everyone, and then got into the cockpit again.
In fact, the Yak-38 has never conducted a short-distance ski jump takeoff experiment. However, Shepkov doesn't care. He is confident that it will be able to fly. Even if there is an accident, he does not have to be afraid. He is confident about the Yak-38. 38 ejection system, full of confidence.
In its short career of more than ten years, the Yak-38 crashed a total of 36 aircraft, but there were no fatalities. The first three times were during test flights and there was no ejection. In the next thirty-three times, the ejection seats were all in working condition and all ejections were successful, including 18 automatic ejections and 13 manual ejections.
(End of this chapter)