Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 457 Test Flights and Towed Target Shooting, Aircraft Pricing and Subsequent Service Trade Negotiations

Four members of the expedition team watched from the runway. They noticed that the ground crew was towing away the boarding stairs, indicating that takeoff was imminent.

On the plane, Qi Baoqian in the front cockpit was taking a look around.

The new aircraft looks somewhat complicated, with many more features on the instrument panel.

Sitting in the rear cabin, Fang Wen said, "The internal structure of the aircraft is quite different from that of the Il-16. You should pay attention to the instrument panel in front of you; it has more functions."

Fang Wen explained.

Although some of the instruments were also present on the Il-16, he still explained them to Qi Baoqian in detail to ensure that Qi Baoqian could make judgments based on the functions of various instruments during the subsequent test flights.

Flight instruments include: airspeed indicator, altimeter, attitude indicator (artificial horizon indicator), heading indicator (magnetic compass), and pressurized cabin status warning light.

These instruments are not much different from those on the Il-16, except for the addition of a pressurized compartment status warning light.

The Taishan first-generation fighter jet used the world's first fighter jet pressurized cabin technology.

As an aircraft increases its altitude, the external air pressure decreases significantly. The pressurized cabin can maintain the cabin air pressure at a level close to that of the ground, preventing discomfort caused by low air pressure, such as decompression sickness, tinnitus, and dizziness.

When the pressurization regulation function of the pressurized cabin malfunctions, the warning light will flash to remind the pilot not to fly at excessive altitudes and to return to base for repairs in a timely manner.

Engine gauges include: tachometer, oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge.

These instruments reflect the engine's operating status, allowing pilots to stay informed about the aircraft's power equipment.

There is also a row of switches on the dashboard.

These switches, from left to right: the first is the tail warning light, the second is the bomb safety latch switch, the third is the machine gun firing switch (turning it off prevents the machine guns from firing simultaneously), and the fourth is the radio communication fixed frequency switch, which can switch between two preset frequencies for real-time communication with the air and ground.
Qi Baoqian listened attentively to Fang Wen's explanation. To him, the more features an aircraft had, the better.

After all, many functions that are impossible to achieve when piloting the Il-16 are present on this aircraft.

After learning about the aircraft's control panel, Fang Wen then explained how to fly the aircraft to Qi Baoqian.

Qi Baoqian was taught by Fang Wen himself, so he easily understood Fang Wen's words and quickly got into the zone.

The aircraft engine started, accompanied by a roar, and the propeller spun rapidly.

The aircraft circled on the runway, aligned itself with the runway centerline, and then gradually accelerated on the runway before taking off into the sky.

The takeoff went smoothly, and Qi Baoqian was already feeling the charm of the first-generation aircraft.

The feeling is like the difference that an experienced driver can clearly perceive after driving a regular sports car and a track car.

The powerful engine and streamlined body bring explosive power and high-speed experience, which is very different from the Il-16.

For pilots, this experience also means an increased workload.

Fang Wen, in the rear cockpit, entered a state of mechanical awareness, holding the aircraft's second set of control devices to ensure that he could take over control of the aircraft in time should Qi Baoqian encounter an accident.

After confirming that Qi Baoqian was in good condition, Fang Wen began to instruct Qi Baoqian on high-speed flight.

The aircraft began to accelerate at an altitude of 3000 meters, and its speed quickly exceeded the Il-16's speed limit of 460 km/h, heading towards 500 km/h.

Inside the cabin, Qi Baoqian and Fang Wen's bodies were swaying, and the push-back sensation generated by high-speed flight was very obvious.

That's because the powerful thrust generated by the aircraft engine accelerates the plane, and the body will feel like it's being pushed backward against the seat due to inertia.

At speeds exceeding 500 kilometers per hour, even with the canopy sound barrier, a subtle and sharp airflow noise can still be heard.

At this speed, the pilot's operation becomes significantly more difficult, and even the slightest movement of the control stick can cause a large change in the aircraft's attitude.

At the same time, due to the higher speed, the aerodynamic effects on the aircraft are more significant, requiring pilots to operate the aircraft more precisely and cautiously in order to maintain a stable flight state.

Another situation is the increased visual impact. Visual references are almost fleeting, which narrows the pilot's field of vision. The pilot needs to focus more on the flight instruments and the airspace ahead, and the reaction time to emergencies is also shorter.

All of this poses a tremendous challenge to the pilots' psychological qualities and reaction capabilities.

When the speed reached 530 kilometers per hour, Fang Wen promptly told Qi Baoqian to slow down.

As the speed decreased, Qi Baoqian's tense emotions gradually eased.

Seeing this, Fang Wen felt that it was unrealistic to attempt high-difficulty flights in the future.

Even Qi Baoqian needed intensive training to adapt after his first encounter with such a high-speed aircraft.

Therefore, Fang Wen abandoned the test flights of those flight maneuvers and instead chose a demonstration plan that was more in line with the current test flights.

That is simulated air combat shooting.

He asked Qi Baoqian to change course and fly to the sea south of Yangon.

Then, he picked up the microphone and called to the ground: "Target tower, take off."

A seaplane takes off from the harbor. After reaching high altitude, the plane releases a parachute, which is then towed by a rope.

The speed is 300 km/h, simulating a Japanese fighter plane.

Fang Wen said, "Fly over there, and imagine the target is your enemy. Before the two planes pass each other, turn sideways and climb upwards while firing."

"It's the regimental commander."

Qi Baoqian was completely focused, staring ahead. Just before the plane and the towed target were about to pass each other, he pulled up the fuselage, turned sideways and upward, and pulled the lever to fire the machine gun.

The eight machine guns on both wings fired in unison, and as the aircraft veered and rose, the eight bullet trajectories formed a swirling fan shape.

This increased the attack surface, leaving the target riddled with holes as bullets passed over it.

After the shooting was over, Fang Wen asked, "Qi Baoqian, what do you think of the effectiveness of this tactical maneuver?"

"Commander, I think it's a good idea. As long as the angle is right, we can make tactical maneuvers and fire, which will block the enemy aircraft's movement space and greatly increase the probability of a hit. It's like casting a net and letting the fish run into the mesh."

This analogy is precisely Fang Wen's new tactical concept, which turns responses to the enemy in different situations into tactical actions. As long as one continues to practice them and applies them in actual combat, the probability of winning the battle will increase.

This test flight has now concluded, and Fang Wen instructed Qi Baoqian to land.

The plane landed smoothly. Qi Baoqian was very skilled at piloting the plane while it was slowing down. With the fixed landing gear, it didn't require much extra maneuvering and landed smoothly on the runway.

After he got off the plane, the rest of the expedition team quickly met with him in the airport conference room.

The five people stared intently at Qi Baoqian.

The team leader asked, "After the test flight, what do you think of this aircraft?"

Qi Baoqian replied with a serious expression: "First of all, I want to declare that every word I say from now on will not contain any personal feelings, and will be an objective statement."

This was him stating his position to the other members of the expedition team.

Qi Baoqian then described the aircraft in detail: "My personal experience in fighter piloting is mainly with the Il-16, and I also have some knowledge of German and Japanese fighters. After flying this Taishan first-generation fighter, my feeling is that it has powerful engines, excellent maneuverability, and strong operability. Its overall performance is much better than the Soviet Il-16 and the Japanese Army's Type 97 fighter, which are currently the conventional fighter models of the Soviet Union and Japan. In addition, the aircraft has strong combat capabilities, with eight linked-fire aircraft machine guns forming a large coverage area, greatly improving the hit rate. Also, the aircraft is equipped with a wireless voice communication device, which can communicate with teammates and the ground command system in real time. My feeling is that it is too excellent."

His words were carefully recorded by the five members of the expedition team.

Someone asked, "If airplanes are really that good, can we afford them?"

This is a very real problem; aircraft with such superior performance are bound to be expensive. On the battlefield in China today, the Kuomintang spent huge sums of money to purchase aircraft. Although most of the funds were embezzled, a number of foreign-made aircraft were also purchased.

The purchase price of the Hawk III was $34,000, the export version of the P-26 was $36,000, the purchase price of the Il-15 was $25,000, and the purchase price of the Il-16 was $33,000.

Based on the price of these aircraft, Taishan's model would cost at least $4.

There are other expenses as well.

Labor costs for ground staff and maintenance mechanics.

Costs of replacing various parts.

High-quality aviation fuel costs.

and many more.

The team leader spoke up: "The Yan'an Air Force is currently still receiving all its supplies from Taishan. Taishan is investing heavily in various aspects, and its domestic branch has been closed by the Kuomintang, so they are also facing financial difficulties. The higher-ups said that Taishan can no longer subsidize this purchase of aircraft; we will pay for it ourselves, with funds coming from a cooperation between the base area and Taishan Air Force. But the price still needs to be negotiated. Qi Baoqian, you should first communicate privately with General Manager Fang to lay the groundwork for our negotiations tomorrow."

"Yes."

Qi Baoqian accepted the order and went out.

After leaving the meeting room, Qi Baoqian approached Fang Wen with a broad smile.

"Commander, shall we talk?"

Fang Wen nodded: "Okay, let's go to the usual place."

The "old place" he mentioned was the place where he often took the pilots out for meals two years ago when he was training elite pilots.

Immediately afterwards, Qi Baoqian got into Fang Wen's car, drove away from the airport, and headed towards the Yangon Industrial Park.

The industrial park is not only home to Taishan's industries, but also to local Chinese communities who have opened various shops on the nearby streets, forming a commercial street for the local Chinese.

Fang Wen's car stopped outside a restaurant called "Mianxianglou". He put on sunglasses, took out some powder from his handbag, and quickly disguised himself, changing his face to the skin color of a local.

They then got out of the car and went into the restaurant.

Neither the Chinese owner nor the staff in the shop recognized Fang Wen. The staff member came over and asked, "What would you two like to eat?"

"Coconut curry chicken, spicy shredded beef, cold dishes, and two bowls of rice."

"Okay, let's serve the cold dishes first, the other two dishes will have to wait."

The waiter turned and went to the kitchen, bringing back a large plate of local specialty cold dishes.

The two ate cold dishes and chatted.

"How are things on your end now?" Fang Wen asked the question he had wanted to know yesterday.

“Very good, thank you for the support of the regiment commander. The aviation team has recruited 12 trainees, and the 7 of us will take turns training them.”

Qi Baoqian talked about the changes that had occurred during this period.

The elite air force is now renamed the Yan'an Air Force, and Qi Baoqian is the captain.

Currently, the company owns 7 Il-16s, as well as 4 civilian amphibious aircraft retired from the Yellow River route after the closure of Taishan Airlines' domestic branch.

Those four civilian seaplanes became the opportunity for the Yan'an Air Force to train new pilots. Twelve trainees were recruited in Yan'an to learn how to fly seaplanes.

This is much easier, and after a period of learning, some students are already able to fly the plane independently.

Just then, two hot dishes and two bowls of rice were brought over.

Qi Baoqian, who had just finished flying, was a little hungry, so he picked up his bowl and started eating.

The familiar taste here whetted his appetite, and he ate three bowls of rice in a row.

After finishing their meal, Qi Baoqian changed the subject to the purpose of their visit.

"Commander, the first-generation machine is excellent, but we're worried it's too expensive and we can't afford it. Could you give us a heads-up?"

Fang Wen pondered this matter.

He doesn't intend to make money, but he wants to ensure the healthy operation of military enterprises, so a break-even price is necessary.

This cost, including aircraft raw materials, labor costs, and other comprehensive costs, is actually not much higher than that of gunboats.

Whether it's converted to domestic currency, it should be based on the current exchange rate of 1 to 5.

“10 French francs,” he replied.

"10?!" Qi Baoqian was startled, but then immediately realized it was legal tender, not US dollars.

He asked nervously, "How much is that in US dollars?"

“$2,” Fang Wen replied.

This price is too cheap.

Qi Baoqian didn't know what to say. After a long while, he managed to stammer out, "Commander, aren't you losing money?"

Fang Wen laughed and said, "It's alright, not a loss. As long as we make a name for ourselves in China, we'll naturally get orders internationally. How much we earn then is entirely up to me."

This isn't Fang Wen boasting; the profits from the arms trade are extremely high. Once the international market sees the results, people will naturally buy them. At that time, let alone doubling the price to 4, even 6 would be enough for Fang Wen to sell them.

Qi Baoqian could no longer contain himself and said urgently, "That's great, I need to go back and report right away."

"Alright then." Fang Wen smiled, paid the bill, and led Qi Baoqian to the car and drove away.

As the car drove back to the airport, Qi Baoqian couldn't wait to report the quote he had found out.

Upon hearing that it was only $2, the expedition members couldn't believe it; it was too cheap.

So, unable to wait until tomorrow, they contacted Fang Wen to confirm, and then sent the good news back to China by telegram.

The price was immediately set.

Next, there are details and subsequent cost negotiations.

Pilots, mechanics, and ground crew working on fighter jets all need to undergo special training.

An aircraft consumes 120 gallons (454 liters) of aviation fuel per hour, with a standard flight consuming about 250 gallons, or roughly 1000 liters. This level of fuel consumption necessitates purchasing and stockpiling large quantities of fuel to maintain continuous combat operations.

In response, Fang Wen opened up one of the domestic oil storage depots for exclusive use.

The agreement also stipulates a continuous supply of accompanying ammunition.

After a day of negotiations, the supply method and price for subsequent resupply were determined, and Yangon was to be responsible for the unified training of the first-generation aircraft pilots, mechanics, and ground crew.

After everything was agreed upon, the expedition team departed by seaplane.

(End of this chapter)