Chapter 48

The concept of drones in China may not be very popular yet, but in the United States, drones are no longer a novelty. Before the Pentagon consolidated drone projects on a large scale in 1988, the U.S. drone research was a field of diverse and bold investment. Just in 1984, the Pentagon allocated $40 million in one go to develop a fan reconnaissance drone called "Amber."

This "Amber" drone was the prototype of the later famous Predator drone. However, if you look at its various specifications, except for its endurance, it had no significant advantages over the simulated aircraft. The so-called reconnaissance function was just an integrated electro-optical sensor under the nose of the aircraft, which, relying on the U.S. military's data link system, could control a wide range, but the technology was not necessarily more advanced than Hu Wenhai's design.

At this time, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force all had their own drone development programs, and the number of operational drones was already considerable. However, they could not use all the precious drone flight hours to train pilots, leaving a gap in the drone trainer aircraft program.

An order for 100 drone trainer aircraft might seem large, but for the U.S. drone force, it was just a drop in the bucket. Normal weapon systems are not produced and used in equal amounts; of these 100 drones, 20% might be used for combat readiness to replace losses before new orders. The remaining 80 drones would need to be rotated for maintenance and repair, so only half would be available for use. Forty drones for training would be just two squadrons, which is not enough for the faster front-line support simulated aircraft.

However, 110 simulated aircraft for $5.5 million was a mere pittance for the Pentagon, and they wouldn't even flinch at throwing it into a puddle. If you look at the J-7s in the adversary squadrons, China had never seen aircraft bought in such bulk. In fact, the Pentagon even thought that since this was so cheap, it could be widely applied. Normally, front-line units would use them for battlefield control and reconnaissance, and in critical moments, they could be used to ram into targets.

Some believed that importing such aircraft from China was not appropriate, but after an investigation, it was awkwardly discovered that if an American company produced them, the price would be at least ten times higher.

During the 1980s, the honeymoon period between China and the U.S., the U.S. had no intention of containing or being hostile towards China. Since the cost was so high, they decided to order from China first.

For Hu Wenhai, $5.5 million seemed like a lot, but in his eyes, it was just a matter of course. The money wouldn't go into his pocket; the foreign exchange would definitely be intercepted by the aviation authority, and the RMB income would be skimmed by the Xiu City government and the military-industrial system. By the time it reached Factory 501, it would barely be enough for a subsistence living.

Moreover, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory was conducting experiments on the blue pill. If successful, Hu Wenhai could become the richest man in China in no time, so why should he care about the $5.5 million that wouldn't even reach his pocket?

So, after reporting the situation back to China, he focused on the procurement business for Loehr Company. Procurement was a technical job, especially for a Chinese person. If he didn't keep a close eye on it, who knew if these Americans would bankrupt him.

However, just two days later, Hu Wenhai suddenly received a call from his father, Hu Jiefang.

"Dad, why are you here?" Hu Wenhai, surprised, ran to Kennedy Airport and saw his father, Hu Jiefang, and a whole tour group of Chinese people standing at the airport exit.

"Why can't I come if you can?" Hu Jiefang glared at him and sighed, "You really are a troublemaker. How did you get involved with the U.S. military?"

"How did I get the visa? You forget, I waited for half a month for mine. I called you the day before yesterday, and you're already in the U.S. today. That's too fast!"

"I don't know what happened. The country said to come, so I came." Hu Jiefang was not very familiar with the procedures for going abroad. If Hu Wenhai hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have known it was so complicated. He asked, "Tell me what's going on. Why did such a big deal suddenly come up, and why with the U.S. military?"

Hu Wenhai said nonchalantly, "I'm just doing business. One party wants to buy, and the other wants to sell. Who cares who the buyer is?"

"Hey, you don't understand. This is deep water!" Hu Jiefang pulled Hu Wenhai to the side, avoiding people, and said with a grim expression, "Is American money so easy to earn? We might make a few million, but they could earn tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in foreign exchange!"

"What's the situation?" Hu Wenhai was really confused and asked, "We're doing our business, how could it make them money?"

"See that?" Hu Jiefang secretly pointed to a person who was clearly the leader of the tour group and said, "That's Director Lin Qianjun from the General Logistics Department, who came specifically for your matter..."

While the two were whispering in the corner, it seemed that Director Lin Qianjun was also drawn by Hu Wenhai's gaze and looked over. Lin Qianjun was about forty years old, wearing a suit that made him look tall and handsome, with no sign of a paunch.

Just by his appearance, no one would believe he was the director of the General Logistics Department; he looked more like a famous movie star, perhaps like Ken Takakura in "The Yakuza."

"Is this Comrade Hu Wenhai?" Lin Qianjun walked over and shook Hu Wenhai's hand, smiling, "I've heard about you in China. Comrade Hu's abilities are truly commendable; you can achieve great things wherever you go."

"He's just a troublemaker. What achievements?" Hu Jiefang was still his old self, never praising Hu Wenhai, "I thought he came to the U.S. to relax and travel, and even specially asked Mr. Clark from Elkan Company to take care of him. Who knew he would cause such a big fuss!"

"Regardless, Comrade Hu's ability to earn foreign exchange for the country is definitely commendable!" Lin Qianjun consoled Hu Jiefang, "Comrade Hu, don't worry. American money is there to be earned. The organization has said to go ahead and do it! Our principle is to keep the sugar-coated bullet and send the bullet back. Besides, the sugar-coated bullet might not even be a bullet."

"Yes, Factory 501 will definitely complete the foreign exchange task."

Hu Jiefang stood at attention and pledged his loyalty. After a mutual encouragement, Lin Qianjun turned and left.

"Dad, what's going on?" Hu Wenhai was still confused. How did a good business suddenly involve the General Logistics Department? Even if they realized the importance of the simulated aircraft, there was no need to come to the U.S. Of course, traveling abroad was not easy in those days, so maybe they just took the opportunity to travel...

"Let's go to the accommodation first." Hu Jiefang saw that Lin Qianjun was already calling people to get in the car, so he quickly pulled Hu Wenhai along. A secretary from the embassy had driven a car over, which could fit everyone.

Hu Wenhai was happy not to have to take a taxi and followed the "tour group" onto the bus, heading into New York City.

Once the bus was on the airport highway, Lin Qianjun called out, and the passengers pulled the curtains closed. Even a heavy black curtain was drawn behind the driver, completely blocking out the sunlight.

As the lights came on in the bus, Hu Wenhai could see again. However, he noticed that a group of "tourists" had surrounded him.

"Alright, take it out." Lin Qianjun sat in the seat in front of him and looked at Hu Wenhai, "Did you bring the photo the Americans gave you?"

"I brought it..."

At this point, Hu Wenhai suddenly understood. The big fuss back home was all about the Su-27! It made sense; at this time, China had just given Vietnam a good beating, and no one knew how the Soviet Union would react.

The Su-27 was a secret to ordinary people, but it was impossible for a national intelligence agency to be unaware. The aircraft data he sent back to China must have immediately caught the attention of the intelligence agency.

Aircraft have lineage, and the Su-27, no matter how you look at it, was of Russian origin and could not be an American fighter. If so, why would the Americans want ten simulated aircraft with obvious Russian lineage?

The answer was clear: this was the new generation of Soviet fighter aircraft, not yet publicly announced!

Such important intelligence, it was not surprising that a team of "agents" was mobilized. However, there was still one question: why was the team led by Lin Qianjun from the General Logistics Department, not Lin Qianjun from the General Staff Department?

At that time, there was no General Armament Department, and the General Logistics Department was the big boss of the PLA's logistics, a powerful unit with authority not far below the General Staff Department.

Wait! Could it be that...

Hu Wenhai's eyes suddenly widened!