Chapter 490: Preliminary Testing Ideals

Hu Zhiyuan looked at this brand-new design, his eyes filled with amazement: "This... this is at least one generation ahead of the most advanced anti-ship Missile currently in existence! The difficulty in realizing it is immense."

"The difficulty certainly exists," Li Mingyuan admitted, "but this is precisely the direction we are pursuing—not only to catch up, but to surpass. First, complete the basic model of the 'Sea Eagle', and simultaneously launch the pre-research project for this long-range anti-ship Missile."

Hu Zhiyuan hesitated for a moment: "There is one more problem, Chief Engineer Li. Carrier-based aircraft require special landing devices; traditional aircraft carriers use arresting gear systems. But the 'Kunpeng' has limited deck space; how can we ensure the 'Sea Eagle' can land safely?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "This is precisely another advantage of the thrust-vectoring system. During landing, the Engine nozzles tilt downward, which not only reduces horizontal speed but also provides additional deceleration force, significantly shortening the landing roll. Furthermore, we can design a simplified version of an arresting device on the deck as an extra safeguard."

He stood up and walked to the window, gazing into the distance at the "Kunpeng" under construction: "The 'Sea Eagle' and 'Kunpeng' are a complete combat system; they cooperate with and promote each other. The 'Kunpeng' provides a mobile platform, and the 'Sea Eagle' provides strike capability. This combination will redefine the concept of maritime power."

Hu Zhiyuan took a deep breath, feeling the heavy burden on his shoulders: "We will go all out to ensure the design plan is completed within three months and the initial prototype is manufactured within six months."

Li Mingyuan turned around, a determined light flickering in his eyes: "Very good. Remember, we are not just designing a carrier-based aircraft; we are initiating a new era—a new era in which Long Country independently controls maritime power."

One month later, in the office of the "Sea Eagle" design team, the lights were bright. The engineers were divided into several groups, each focused on the detailed design of different systems. The walls were covered with calculation results, test data, and sketches, and the air was filled with the smell of coffee and sweat.

Li Mingyuan walked into the office and, seeing this scene, could not help but feel a sense of gratification. This state of working tirelessly and devoting oneself entirely is the best soil for technological innovation.

"Chief Engineer Li!" Hu Zhiyuan greeted him excitedly, "Good news! The Engine group has just completed the preliminary test of the vector nozzle system, and the results are very ideal!"

"Tell me in detail." Li Mingyuan became interested.

Hu Zhiyuan led him to the test data: "We used an improved version of the RD-9 Engine as a base and added a self-designed dual-mode vector nozzle. At a 45-degree deflection angle, the Engine still maintained 92% of its thrust, and the heat distribution was basically consistent with expectations."

Li Mingyuan carefully examined the data curves: "How is the vibration?"

"There were indeed some high-frequency vibrations in the initial tests," Hu Zhiyuan said candidly, "but by adjusting the nozzle shape and strengthening the support structure, we have already controlled the vibration level within a safe range."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Very good. However, don't forget to conduct fatigue tests to ensure that the mechanism can still maintain reliability after repeated mode switching."

He turned to another group of engineers: "How is the progress on the airframe structure design?"

A young engineer stood up: "We have completed 90% of the strength calculations and layout design. Considering the specific nature of the carrier-based environment, we have reinforced the airframe structure in many places, especially the landing gear and wing roots."

He pointed to the stress analysis diagram on the wall: "This is the latest finite element analysis result; even in the most extreme landing situations, the critical structures still have sufficient safety margins."

Li Mingyuan expressed satisfaction with this, then asked: "What about the avionics system?"

The head of the avionics group stepped forward to report: "We have designed a simplified but efficient avionics system, including an improved fire-control Radar, navigation system, and communication equipment. Due to technical limitations, the performance of some equipment cannot reach the ideal level, but the overall functionality is sufficient to meet basic combat requirements."

He pointed to a system block diagram: "It is especially worth mentioning that we have developed a dedicated navigation Computer that can automatically calculate the optimal flight path to intercept the 'Kunpeng' when the pilot returns, greatly reducing the difficulty of landing."

Li Mingyuan highly praised this innovation: "A very good idea! Considering the high-speed maneuvering characteristics of the 'Kunpeng', this automatic calculation system is crucial for the safe return of the carrier-based aircraft."

Finally, Li Mingyuan came to the Weapon Group: "Is the weapon integration plan finalized?"

The head of the Weapon Group displayed the latest design: "The standard configuration includes two PL-2 air-to-air Missiles and two YJ-1 anti-ship Missiles, or four 250-kilogram aerial bombs. In addition, we have reserved hardpoints, which can be adjusted according to different mission requirements."

He specifically pointed out a detail: "Following your suggestion, we have already launched the pre-research work for a new type of long-range anti-ship Missile, codenamed YJ-2. The preliminary design goal is to achieve a 150-kilometer range and all-weather strike capability, but the technical challenges are great; it is expected to take at least two years to make substantial progress."

Li Mingyuan pondered for a moment: "That is acceptable. First, let the 'Sea Eagle' enter service equipped with the existing weapon system, while simultaneously accelerating the R&D process of the YJ-2. In the future, we will have more surprises waiting for the two great powers."

He looked around at this group of exhausted but passionate engineers, his heart filled with emotion and pride: "Everyone, your efforts will be recorded in history. The 'Sea Eagle' is not just a carrier-based aircraft; it represents the determination and capability of Long Country's independent innovation."

Li Mingyuan walked to the center of the office, his voice firm and powerful: "Over the past month, you have completed a workload that might take a year in a conventional design process. The most difficult stage has passed; next, we will enter the prototype manufacturing stage."

He pointed to the final design drawing of the "Sea Eagle" on the wall: "This fighter jet will become the sharp claws of the 'Kunpeng', allowing Long Country to spread its wings and soar between the sea and the sky. Everyone, continue to work hard; history will remember this moment!"

The engineers erupted into enthusiastic applause and cheers. In this simple office, an unprecedented fighter jet was being born; it would, together with the "Kunpeng" Ground Effect Aircraft Carrier, completely change the landscape of maritime power, allowing Long Country to possess strategic deterrent capabilities sufficient to contend with the two great powers as early as the early fifties.

Li Mingyuan looked at the complete "Sea Eagle" design drawing on the wall, his gaze firm and confident. This was just the beginning; there were more amazing innovations waiting for him to realize in the future. From the "Changfeng" Missile to the "Sky Net" defense system, from the "Sky Eye" satellite to the "Kunpeng" Ground Effect Aircraft Carrier, and now to the "Sea Eagle" carrier-based aircraft, he was step by step bringing that future world, which only existed decades later, into this era ahead of time.