Chapter 109: Strengthening, Simulation, and Modification

Translator: End less Fantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Tang Rui walked around the J-18 prototype, asking numerous questions.

He inquired about the lifting body with a canard wing and the small aspect ratio, medium sweep angle main wing, components crucial for achieving maximum lift coefficient at low speed, optimal lift-drag ratio at subsonic and transonic speeds, and minimal drag coefficient at supersonic speeds. The team had devised promising concepts, but challenges persisted. Tang Rui wasn’t convinced that Shen Huoyi had already resolved these issues. Nonetheless, these concerns were not his responsibility; his primary task was to assist with the vertical take-off and landing system.

“What was the calculated lift coefficient for vertical take-off and landing in your simulations?” Tang Rui asked.

Director Liu responded, “The simulation yielded a result of 65%.” “Simulation?” Tang Rui’s interest was piqued. “What about real-world testing?” “Only 37%,” Director Liu replied with a rueful smile.

A 30% discrepancy between calculations and actual tests was substantial. Achieving vertical take-off and landing required a lift coefficient of over 51%. Beyond the engine modification issue, the VTOL system itself was flawed.

Tang Rui pondered, “So, you sacrificed the lift coefficient of the vertical take-off and landing system to maintain the fighter jet’s stealth performance?” Director Liu affirmed, “Yes, stealth performance must meet standards. Without it, the Air Force won’t accept the J-18.”

Tang Rui understood Director Liu’s dilemma. He had been forced into this situation, prompting Shen Huoyi’s swift actions.

“Alright, I understand. Did you bring the information?” Tang Rui asked.

“Yes, I have it with me.”

“Pass me the information. I’ll review it.”

Director Liu was visibly relieved that Tang Rui was still willing to help under these circumstances. He would be willing to provide any support needed, including a one-stop service.

“President Tang, we’ve already sent the forward swept wing verification aircraft. Would you like to inspect it?” Director Liu inquired.

Tang Rui declined, saying, “There’s no rush. Let’s set it aside for now.”

Upon leaving the hangar, he instructed his driver, “Brother Yang, let’s head straight home, not to the company.”

“Understood.”

Back at home, Tang Rui imported the J-18 information into his learning machine and donned the learning console to study it thoroughly.

By the time he woke up from his study session the next afternoon, it was already past three o’clock. Tang Rui asked for dinner, and after eating, he made his way to the company to construct a model of the J-18.

As he began working on the model, he couldn’t help but reminisce about his past, comparing the conditions then to his current situation. In his old days, he had limited resources, but now he had access to state-of-the-art equipment and a wide array of accessories.

With Xiaoyi’s assistance, Tang Rui completed the J-18 model in just over an hour. He applied enhancements to various components, allocating only four origin points to strengthen the entire model. However, he noticed the aircraft’s potential and decided to devote additional points.

Tang Rui reviewed his choices:

– Flight Control Enhancement: 1

– Body Strengthening: 1

– Energy Enhancement: 1

– Engine Enhancement: 1

Now he decided to allocate more points:

– Flight Control System Enhancement: 5

– Body Structure Enhancement: 5

– VTOL System Enhancement: 5

With the enhancements complete, Tang Rui examined the model, which had grown to over two meters in length. He felt no excitement; instead, he was focused on his objective.

Tang Rui directed Celia, “Transfer the model to Dongfang Yufeng for supercomputer simulation.”

“Understood.”

He hadn’t anticipated returning to this point. Celia gained access openly, not secretly, and set up a super administrator account. The Al then directed Director Liu to coordinate.

“Director Liu, I’ve redesigned the vertical take-off and landing system. Do you have access to a supercomputer? I’d like to perform simulations.”

“Certainly, we can arrange that. Please wait a moment,” Director Liu replied.

In less than ten minutes, Director Liu informed Tang Rui that everything had been set up. It wasn’t Shen Huoyi’s supercomputer; instead, they utilized computing power from Dongfang Yufeng, which took Tang Rui back to where he had started.

“Celia, transfer the model to Dongfang Yufeng and commence the simulation,” Tang Rui directed.

“Understood.”

Tang Rui knew he had come full circle in his efforts.

“Celia, how long will the simulation take?”

“Estimated time: 2 hours.”

Satisfied with the answer, Tang Rui left the laboratory. He was in no hurry; the results would be ready when they were ready.

After dinner, the simulation results were available. The simulated lift coefficient was 91%, meeting the requirements entirely. This improved system didn’t compromise stealth but did place additional stress on the aircraft’s structure, a minor trade-off compared to the achievement of vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

Tang Rui informed Li Shuyao, “Stop there. It’s time for a workout.”

She closed the laptop and dragged Tang Rui to the gym. Afterward, Tang Rui transferred the simulation data to his learning machine and settled into bed to rest.

The following day, Tang Rui headed to Ma’an Airport.

“Director Liu, have your team members arrived?”

“Some have, and others will arrive today and tomorrow.”

“Good. Assemble those who are already here; I have a mission for them.”

“Understood. I’ll gather them.”

“By the way, do you already have a plan for improvement?” Director Liu inquired.

“I have countless ideas.” Tang Rui smiled..