Chapter 1340
Patent War, Li Aiguo's Transport Aircraft Mini-Class Begins, Special Plane Surpass
Inside the foreign trade department's conference room, a special meeting is being held in earnest.
What makes it special is that, in addition to the leaders of the foreign trade department, there are also leaders from the Aviation Industry Bureau.
The topic of discussion was, naturally, the order that Hextech had just sent back.
"Comrades, the cost of this small plane to us is only tens of thousands of dollars, but after Comrade Li Aiguo made some modifications, it can be sold for a million dollars!"
"Yes, I've heard that with the increase in production lines and output, production costs have decreased quite a bit."
"This isn't just doing business, it's practically making a fortune with a small investment! No, it's making millions with a huge investment!"
"It seems that our future direction should be to manufacture more high-tech, high-value-added products like these!"
"The idea is correct, but the problem is, there is only one Li Aiguo in our country."
"Haha, Lao Li, one Li Aiguo is enough to make us stand tall, how many more do you want?"
After the leaders of the foreign trade department finished their discussion, the leaders of the Aviation Industry Bureau couldn't help but speak up as well.
“Selling airplanes is different from selling other things. Once our airplanes occupy the market abroad, the boost to our domestic aviation industry will be unimaginable!”
"That's right. Look at how those world's leading large aircraft manufacturers developed. They started with small aircraft and gradually grew bigger and stronger."
"Could it be that a world-class large aircraft manufacturing plant will emerge here in the near future?"
The leaders of the Aviation Industry Bureau were overjoyed at the thought.
The leaders exchanged glances and burst into laughter in unison.
"Hurry up and send the order and the customer's requirements over; this deal is too good to pass up."
Li Aiguo received the order the next day, and it was personally delivered to his office by Section Chief Xing.
"How is it? Is it difficult?" Section Chief Xing was also a little nervous. After all, the profit from this stuff was higher than selling a whole train carload of agricultural products, and now the higher-ups were paying special attention to it.
"The difficulty isn't the main issue; the key lies with the technical personnel," Li Aiguo said.
"That's easy! I'll assign people to help you!" Section Chief Xing assured him, patting his chest.
"There's also the issue of materials. The domestic materials are no longer sufficient to meet the demand, so we need to import them from overseas through the port city," Li Aiguo continued.
"You can arrange this as you see fit." Upon hearing that it was related to Hextech, Section Chief Xing immediately relinquished control.
In recent years, the workshops under the studio have been developing rapidly.
Materials like steel and rare earth elements can be supplied.
However, the production of lightweight, high-strength metals such as nickel, chromium, rhenium, and especially titanium and magnesium, falls far short of demand.
Hextech has many distributors, and through these distributors, it makes large-scale acquisitions all over the world.
Of course, the purchase price was very cheap.
After all, in this era, the demand for this metal was very small, and there wasn't enough consumer power to buy its raw materials.
The distributors also counted on Hextech to make their fortune.
However, these capitalist-turned-distributors would never allow themselves to lose money.
Hextech pressured them on prices, and they turned around and relentlessly pressured prices at the country of origin.
As a result, the prices of raw materials in many resource-producing areas have plummeted.
In particular, these distributors of Hextech have a good relationship in private and have even learned to collude to drive down prices.
Take Indian molybdenum ore, for example; the price has been driven down to an almost unbearable level.
If you don't sell to the person who came first, you'll get fifty; if you don't, the person who comes later will only get forty-five.
The Indian man gritted his teeth, feeling the price was too low, and decided not to sell.
A few days later, someone else came to buy it, this time offering only thirty.
The Indian family was suddenly alarmed. Was the molybdenite going to become completely worthless?
He was waiting for a large sum of money to buy weapons and bullets from the Russians.
That ruthless Li Yunlong, now that he has established a stable territory and has no more worries, has started to wreak havoc again.
So, the Indians started begging these dealers to buy molybdenum ore.
At this point, the dealers became even more unscrupulous and directly lowered the price to twenty-five.
Then, under the Indian's earnest pleas, he pretended to be in a difficult position and reluctantly raised the price to thirty.
The Indian was so moved he almost cried, exclaiming, "What a kind person!"
The Indians didn't see what happened after large quantities of molybdenum ore were shipped out of the port at low prices.
Several dealers were in a luxury villa, opening champagne and splitting the huge price difference, one slice for each of them.
Of course, Li Aiguo never truly trusted these distributors.
To prevent them from playing this trick and backfiring once they grow big, Li Aiguo had long ago established a strict long-term contract system.
The price is set in advance, and regardless of how much the price in the country of origin plummets, it will be executed according to this fixed profit margin.
I learned from Yang Jizong that the price of molybdenum mines in India has dropped by another 20%, while the price of cassiterite in Jharkhand has also dropped by 30%.
Li Aiguo sensed that India was nearing its end, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to drive down the price so drastically.
This information can be provided to the weather station.
After doing all this.
Li Aiguo didn't care about the mass production of the private jet, since the workshop already had experience and the manufacturing technology was up to par.
If we have the chance, we should also develop business jets for future generations; the market for those is far greater than that for private jets.
However, one must take things one step at a time, and one must eat one bite at a time, so Li Aiguo was not in a hurry.
Subsequently, Li Aiguo continued to plan the testing of the transport aircraft.
It is said that higher-level leaders are coming to inspect the area, and preparations need to be made in all aspects.
While Li Aiguo was busy, inside an association in Texas.
Several private jet manufacturers from Xiaomei's family gathered together.
"That damn Hextech! Those crappy SUVs are selling so well, making our three major domestic car manufacturers look like they're in a sorry state, and now they're even trying to steal our small aircraft market!"
"Yes, they're so arrogant! Several of our European clients were already about to pay deposits, but they were all fooled by their 'Queen's Choice' product and ended up buying their planes instead!"
"Our sales this month have been halved!"
"At this rate, all of us might have to line up to file for bankruptcy protection!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of several private jet manufacturers changed.
The private jet market is an emerging market with potentially huge profits.
However, huge profits often mean risks.
Originally, there were at least twenty private aircraft manufacturers in Texas, riding this wave of opportunity.
However, after two years of fierce market competition, only these five giants remain.
Thinking about the tragic fates of their bankrupt peers, the bigwigs shuddered.
"No, this absolutely cannot continue. We must fight back!"
"Fight back? They have the Queen's personal endorsement and the gimmick of the Queen's style, what can we do? Are we supposed to ask God to endorse us?" one manufacturer retorted angrily.
"How about we try to persuade the president to buy one of our planes?"
This idea isn't entirely unworkable.
Behind these private jet manufacturers stand Wall Street financial giants who have a close relationship with Whitehouse.
"It's not enough to just buy it; the president must also get on the plane and personally fly it around, creating a 'presidential style' item."
That's the only way to barely rival their 'Queen's Style' in terms of hype.
Upon hearing this suggestion, several private jet manufacturers exchanged glances, but then shook their heads in unison, seemingly resigned.
The new president, having learned from the previous president's wildly imaginative experiences and lessons, places great emphasis on security. He rarely even rides on Air Force One, let alone smaller planes.
"Patents! Fight them in a patent war! Their aviation industry is lagging behind, especially their engines; they've definitely copied them!"
"That's right! They're either copying our core technology or copying the Russians! No matter whose it is, as long as we can find even the slightest similarity, that's a breakthrough!"
Private jet manufacturers eventually came up with a good solution.
Patent wars are a ruthless tactic that these capitalists are most adept at.
Even the slightest connection, regardless of whether they win the lawsuit or not, the endless litigation and investigations alone can strip Hextech bare!
In the capital city.
Spring has arrived without us even realizing it, and the most obvious sign is that the withered grass on the ground around the studio has started to sprout new shoots.
Li Aiguo is always in a hurry, with almost no time to linger.
Today is a big day because it marks the arrival of the dedicated flight test team dispatched by the Aviation Industry Administration.
Li Aiguo was once again the captain of this test flight. However, since this was the first time such a large aircraft had flown, a team was definitely needed.
First officer, navigator, radio operator, flight mechanic... none of them can be missing.
There is also a dedicated ground support team, which consists of dozens of people.
Even before the testing has officially begun, specialized training for this flight team must be put on the agenda immediately.
The team was led by Huang Dali, an outstanding transport aircraft captain.
He has many years of experience flying the Y-5 transport aircraft and has successfully handled numerous major emergencies in the air.
"Comrade Li Aiguo, hello, hello!" Huang Dali had just gotten off the minibus when he saw Li Aiguo. He quickly walked over and shook Li Aiguo's hand tightly.
"Your operation over the Bohai Sea boosted the morale of all our pilots."
When Huang Dali said this, his eyes were already sparkling. It would have been even better if he were a little girl instead of a burly man with a thick beard.
"Captain Huang, you're too kind. It's all for work."
Being stared at so intensely by a burly man made Li Aiguo feel a chill run down his spine.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he ushered the flight team into the workshop.
First, we had a brief introduction to the transport aircraft, and then the formal training began.
Li Aiguo's "Transport Aircraft Flight Mini-Class" has officially begun.
The old method of first theory, then blueprints, then cockpit, and finally hands-on practice. Training must be thorough for every system, including engine, fuel, hydraulics, landing gear, control cables, electrical systems, radio navigation, and airtight oxygen supply.
The flight team consists of experienced veterans, so training them is not difficult.
However, the requirements for grades are very high.
All members of the flight team must be able to recite the theoretical knowledge of the projects they are responsible for fluently and be able to operate the equipment with their eyes closed during practical training.
Of course, the core focus of all this training is on the rapid investigation and handling of in-flight emergencies.
"Comrades, when an emergency occurs in the air, you must not panic."
The first thing you must do is maintain the aircraft's attitude, stabilize the altitude, and correct the slope!
"Unacceptable situations will arise where people are frantically searching for faults while simultaneously pulling on control levers haphazardly!"
At first, Huang Dali and the flight team members didn't take it seriously, after all, Li Aiguo had received the title of Air Force Combat Hero.
But when it comes to flying transport planes and large aircraft, they are the professionals.
What does a fighter pilot know about handling emergencies? Does he know how to eject?
But when they heard this, their expressions immediately became serious.
In fact, during that era, the most common fatal mistake made by many experienced veteran pilots in China when encountering sudden emergencies was to pull the control stick haphazardly.
When people get nervous, they tend to pull up the nose of the plane, which often results in the plane stalling.
Even many veteran pilots on Big Brother's side suffer from this fatal common problem.
Li Aiguo took a breath and continued, "When investigating potential dangers, we should follow the principle of starting with the simple and then moving to the complex, and addressing the symptoms before tracing the root cause."
Upon hearing this, Huang Dali felt a sudden surge of understanding, as if a thunderclap had resounded in his mind.
If an accident really happens in mid-air, what's the most critical thing? Isn't it finding out exactly where the malfunction is in the shortest amount of time?
However, transport aircraft are too complex. The same malfunction may have different causes. Finding the true root cause of the malfunction more efficiently is the key to saving the transport aircraft.
Thinking of this, Huang Dali couldn't help but raise his hand: "Comrade Aiguo, could you explain this in detail?"
Even he himself didn't realize that he had unconsciously started using honorifics.
Li Aiguo nodded: "It's very simple. First, look at the instruments, then listen to the sounds in the cockpit, feel the vibrations of the aircraft, and then deduce where the problem is based on these signs. You can't guess blindly, and you can't just turn off the equipment randomly."
"Could you be more specific?" a mechanic asked, raising his hand.
Based on his experience from later generations, Li Aiguo continued, "For example, if the aircraft engine speed suddenly malfunctions, the oil pressure gauge shows a drop, one side of the fuselage experiences severe vibration, and the throttle lever becomes sluggish."
In this situation, it is a very typical sign of engine mechanical failure or even a fire!
At this point, the throttle on the faulty side must be reduced immediately, and the main and auxiliary fuel tanks must be switched quickly…
"For example, if you find that the control system is abnormal, such as the stick or rudder suddenly becoming heavy and unable to be pulled."
That's usually not because the control surfaces are stuck, but because the flaps or landing gear aren't fully retracted, causing aerodynamic drag. In that case, you need to…
As a man who, in his previous life, repeatedly watched over twenty seasons of "Air Crash Investigation" as bedtime reading and was well-versed in various modern air crash investigation reports.
Li Aiguo was extremely familiar with these accident cases and handling procedures.
From engine surge failure to landing gear hydraulic hose rupture, to electrical system short circuit fire and complete radio outage... Li Aiguo could name any of these incidents.
While it's unknown how many accidents these experiences can prevent, it would be worthwhile if even one accident could be avoided.
The members of those flight teams listened with rapt attention.
These principles seem simple, but without years of flying experience and several life-or-death combat tests, it would be absolutely impossible to summarize them so accurately.
They all took out their notebooks to take notes.
Seeing this, Zong Xianfeng's eyes widened. He never expected that his patriotic comrade was also an expert at flying large aircraft.
"First, always respect the weather! Never gamble with luck! If the weather conditions are unfavorable, regardless of the mission, immediately and decisively return to base to save the aircraft!"
"Secondly, in case of emergencies, contingency plans and division of labor must be prepared in advance. The captain and first officer must never fight over commands, which could cause confusion!"
"Third, don't blindly trust your old 'experiences'! Never force a takeoff when you know the plane has a malfunction!"
The last point, in particular, is the main cause of the air disaster.
All the flight team members present have extensive flying experience.
Before this, my understanding of security always felt like it was separated from my understanding by a thin layer of paper.
Now, Li Aiguo's few words have completely shattered this illusion!
As Li Aiguo finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted in the audience.
This is what old experience is all about!
Huang Dali stood up and asked, "Comrade Aiguo, you spoke well. May I write your summary into a report and submit it?"
Li Aiguo laughed heartily twice and agreed on the spot, which was the real reason he brought these things out.
"However, a few words of experience are far from enough; we also need to conduct a detailed analysis of various dangers and formulate response strategies," Li Aiguo continued.
Upon hearing this, Huang Dali's eyes lit up. If he learned how to deal with such situations in advance, the efficiency of investigation and the success rate of repairs would increase significantly if a real emergency occurred in the future.
"Comrade Patriot, there's still some time before the official test. We've been getting familiar with the transport aircraft here lately. Could you take this opportunity to give us some more lessons?"
Well, it seems this little class won't last more than one lesson.
Li Aiguo smiled and said, "It's not really a lecture; we're just analyzing and learning together."
The flight training program continued for the next few days.
Li Aiguo was extremely busy, having to continue inspecting the transport planes while also giving lectures.
In addition, all flight accidents and their investigation methods should be compiled into a book.
Li Aiguo was thinking that after the successful completion of this test flight of the large transport aircraft, he might be able to take the opportunity to publish the first "Standard Handbook for Special Incident Investigation and Handling of Modern Aircraft" in China.
“You idiots should all be sent to Alaska to cut down trees. How much money did you take, and this is what you produce? Look, everyone, this is a patent application from a few months ago. It contains Hextech’s patent application.”
Members of Congress looked at the several private jet manufacturers with a burning rage.
To help his Wall Street backers win this patent war against Hextech's private jet.
During this period, he has been running around frantically, spending countless favors and political resources, and even managed to establish connections with judges in the federal court ahead of time.
All is ready except for the opportunity.
And what happened? Hextech doesn't play by the rules at all; they preemptively registered every single patent they could!
Then distribute the materials.
This list contains hundreds of patents!
From the core design of aircraft engines, combustion chamber structure, transmission system, to aerodynamic layout, and even the patents for leather seats inside the cabin and streamlined exterior design, everything has been taken care of.
The evidence is irrefutable and leaves no room for error.
What's the point of this patent war?
Should I sue them for plagiarism?
They can sue you for copyright infringement right away!
"That's not all. In fact, I have something else to tell you that will make you even more desperate."
Another member of Congress started criticizing.
"As far as I know, the engine of this Hextech aircraft, in terms of some key performance indicators, has even surpassed some of the active-duty fighter jet engines that our military is proud of."
You heard me right, it's more than that!
After these words were spoken, a hush fell over Whitehouse.
"Just last week, Lockheed purchased a Hextech private jet through secret channels and conducted a thorough, violent disassembly and analysis."
As it turned out, the so-called genius engineers in their research department, whom they were supporting at great expense, were all a bunch of utter useless idiots!
That's just how the parliamentary system is in Xiaomei's family; they only care about taking sides and never consider any objective facts.
Now that we see a golden opportunity to attack the military-industrial complex and weaken the influence of our political enemies, we should go all out and take advantage of their misfortune.
Actually, if you ask someone with technical expertise to analyze this, it's a complete misrepresentation.
The engine used in Hextech's private jet has its core advantages in being lightweight and compact.
With the same power output, it is smaller in size and consumes less fuel.
In addition, its biggest highlight is its extremely smooth torque output at low speeds and low altitudes. From 100 meters to 3,000 meters, the torque output is linear, stable, and smooth.
The military aircraft engines currently in service with the US military focus on maximum power output under high-altitude and high-speed conditions.
If you let it fly at low altitude and low speed, the torque is terrible, the jerking is extremely strong, and it even lurches frequently.
In other words, these two are not even on the same track.
Even the best small aircraft engines from Hextech cannot be directly transplanted to supersonic fighter jets.
But in the eyes of politicians, these complex and tedious technical differences are irrelevant!
What's important?
The key is how to use this sensational gimmick to drastically cut Lockheed's exorbitant research funding this year and reallocate it to their own core interests!
Under this bizarre political logic, many clearly correct paths are easily cut off by politicians for their own selfish interests.
This is no joke.
Who would have thought that some families, facing extreme energy shortages, would blow up their own perfectly functioning nuclear power plants?
On the surface, they shout about environmentalism, but behind the scenes, it's all about dirty business dealings.
Regardless of the truth, with the help of those with ulterior motives, the US Congress was in an uproar.
The military-industrial complex's spokespeople in Congress were completely bewildered by the attack and instinctively retorted, "That's absolutely impossible! This is slander!"
However, once the label is on someone, the truth no longer matters.
This is a "scandal" that was personally "investigated" by members of Congress from the opposing camp. How could it be fake?
Then the newspapers started reporting on it like crazy.
Shocking! Hextech's civilian engine outperforms current fighter jets!
Where Did the Taxpayers' Money Go? A Shocking Scam by a Military Industry Giant!
The Rise of Eastern Technology: Where Should We Go From Here?
Once the incident was reported by the media, it caused an uproar around the world.
what?
Is Hextech's dedicated jet engine design really that impressive?
Buy it now! You'll regret it if you don't!
Let me order one first and experience it before making any decisions!
a few days later.
Yang Jizong, far away in the port city, was completely dumbfounded when he saw a large stack of orders that had suddenly flown in from Europe and the United States.
He scratched his head, completely baffled.
Didn't we agree to fight a patent war?
How did the order get delivered?
(End of this chapter)