Chapter 5

Finally, after much effort, Sixin convinced himself that the model aircraft was indeed designed and built by Hu Wenhai. After all, believing in the existence of geniuses is one thing, but discovering a genius right in front of you is quite another.

"Model aircraft teaching?" The first thing that came to Hu Wenhai's mind was the flight simulators widely used in pilot training in the future.

Those enclosed cockpits with hydraulic systems to simulate flight loads, panoramic large screens, and super toys that make pilots feel as if they are right there in the action.

"I've heard that there's a device abroad that can simulate the flight process of an aircraft on the ground..."

"Not that kind. Our country's electronic technology is far too backward," Sixin shook his head and said, "My idea is whether we can use your model aircraft to familiarize the students with the aircraft's operational performance."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Hu Wenhai refused without hesitation, "To simulate a real aircraft, the thrust-to-weight ratio of the model aircraft would need to be very high. But if we lower the thrust-to-weight ratio, the model aircraft's engine won't be able to provide a speed similar to a real aircraft, and the aerodynamics and control won't reflect the results of real aircraft operations. Another issue is the control method. To simulate a real aircraft with a model, the remote control system I use is far from sufficient. For a more complex tactical maneuver, even two hands wouldn't be enough. Besides, once the aircraft takes off, at high subsonic speeds, the human eye can't even keep up, how can you operate it?"

Sixin frowned, thought for a moment, and sighed, "So, in the end, model aircraft are just toys, right?"

"Actually, there might be a way..."

Hu Wenhai turned to look at Hu Jiefang, who was being scolded by Hu Shiwu, and said after some thought, "The key lies in two difficulties. One is the model aircraft engine, which must improve the speed characteristics of the engine. This requires redesigning the current engine, increasing the number of compressor and turbine stages, which needs the help of professionals. The second issue, I have a solution in mind. Perhaps we can develop a simulation control panel, integrate the flight control functions, and install a camera on the model aircraft to receive the analog video signal from the camera at the control station."

Hu Wenhai, having said this, spread his hands and said helplessly, "But this would undoubtedly turn the project into a large-scale endeavor, something I can't accomplish alone. Grandpa Si, if you want to do this, it would be better to talk to my father. If the 501 Factory takes the lead, organizing the work would be much easier."

Sixin's eyes lit up, and he nodded immediately.

In the 1980s, it was extremely difficult for individuals to accomplish anything. On the other hand, it was much easier for the state to do things. If Hu Wenhai or Sixin wanted to push the project forward under their own names, it would be almost impossible. But if the 501 Factory, a division-level unit, took the lead, they could directly seek help from higher-ups or just need a letter of introduction and a request for assistance, and the necessary talent would come running.

"Jiefang has a good son!" Sixin, being an old man, immediately understood Hu Wenhai's intentions. In simple terms, life in the military wasn't easy, and neither was life in the military industry. Even if there were good military industries, they wouldn't include the small 501 Factory in Xiucheng. As the factory manager, Hu Jiefang faced significant pressure.

And Hu Wenhai's suggestion was clearly a way to bring business to the 501 Factory.

But this was like Zhou Yu beating Huang Gai—both willing participants. Sixin also understood that, after all, a model aircraft is just a model aircraft. To push the simulator project forward and turn the model aircraft into a miniaturized real aircraft, the 501 Factory was indeed the best platform.

"I'll be responsible for finding the talent to improve the engine. How about you solving the problem of the simulation control panel?" Sixin began to negotiate.

Hu Wenhai spread his hands and said helplessly, "The phototubes responsible for the camera's photoelectric conversion aren't domestically produced, and even the 501 Factory can't produce them!"

Sixin's face turned grim. In the early 1980s, televisions were rare, let alone the cameras used by TV stations. As the core component of a camera, the camera tube was both scarce and very expensive.

But compared to a fighter jet, a camera tube was nothing. The cost of aviation fuel was already high, and the wear and tear on the aircraft meant that every moment a fighter jet was in the air was like burning money. A small portion of the training budget would be enough to cover the cost of the camera tube.

"Alright, I'll take care of that too!" Sixin gritted his teeth and agreed.

Hu Wenhai laughed heartily, "Thank you, Grandpa Si. As long as my father agrees, I will do my best!"

"You Hu family, none of you are easy to deal with..." Sixin sighed helplessly.

To be honest, the idea of a model aircraft simulator was very tempting. Hu Wenhai's model aircraft, which Sixin had studied, used ordinary gasoline and diesel mixtures, and 5 liters of fuel were enough to fly for two hours.

The biggest cost was the high-speed bearings of the engine—there was nothing on the domestic market that could meet the 80,000 RPM requirement. The best domestically produced bearing Hu Wenhai could find had a lifespan of only 30 to 50 hours. But since it was a domestic product, it could be replaced when it broke. After all, it was just a simulator, and there was no need to worry about crashes causing fatalities.

Just the savings in fighter aircraft lifespan and fuel alone was enough to make one feel elated.

If this project could be realized, it would be like a pillow for a sleepy head for the Air Force, which was currently in a difficult period. As the head of a flight school, Sixin knew the importance of flight hours for fighter pilots. If the current flight frequency continued, it wouldn't be long before the tactical skills of Chinese pilots became a laughingstock.

Without looking back, Sixin left Hu Wenhai behind and turned to Hu Jiefang. Together with Hu Shiwu, the three of them stood in front of the airport office building and discussed until it was dark.

That day passed, and as the sun set in the evening, Hu Jiefang made a call and summoned a 212 jeep. The three generations of the Hu family bid farewell to Sixin and finally returned home.

Hu Jiefang looked at Hu Wenhai with a complex expression and shook his head helplessly, "You, I don't know who you inherited this折腾劲 (ze2 teng2 jin4,折腾 means to fuss or bother, 劲 means strength or energy) from. I don't know if this is good or bad..."

"From who? Isn't it from you!" Hu Shiwu smirked and revealed, "When you were a kid, you were even more troublesome than Wenhai. Once, when we went back to the old home, you not only went swimming and climbing trees, but you even strangled your second uncle's guard dog, a big yellow dog, with Hu Hu's father! Look at you now, at sixteen, you couldn't even spell 'turbine engine'!"

"Dad, can you give me some face? How can I educate Wenhai in the future if you keep saying this!"

"Oh, can you also give me some face and not blame everything on Wenhai?"

...

Leaving aside the complex relationships within the Hu family, the three generations lived in a small house in Xiucheng. The sun sets late in summer, and by the time the jeep dropped them off, it was already past dinner time.

Hu Jiefang carefully opened the door lock, peeked into the yard, and then pushed the door open with a cheer.

"Your mother is probably still working overtime at the factory, come in quickly," Hu Jiefang called out, and the three of them confidently pushed the door and went home.

The Hu family lived in a small house with three rooms and a small yard, facing south. The two main rooms on the north side were occupied by Hu Shiwu on the left and Hu Jiefang and his wife on the right. Hu Wenhai lived in a small room on the east side. Although the yard was small, it was much better than living in a cramped dormitory.

Hu Wenhai's grandmother had a chronic illness from before the liberation and passed away a few years after giving birth to Hu Jiefang. Over the years, Hu Shiwu had been busy raising Hu Jiefang and hadn't had time to find a new partner, so he lived alone. He rubbed his shoulders, gave Hu Jiefang a warning look, and grunted, "I'm old and not as strong as I used to be. I'm going to rest."

"Dad, I'll get you some water to wash your feet."

Hu Jiefang wanted to follow Hu Shiwu into the house but was pushed out, "No need, I know you have something to talk about with Wenhai. I have hands and feet, do I need you to wash my feet?"

Hu Shiwu slammed the door, making Hu Jiefang touch his nose in embarrassment. He had no choice but to turn to Hu Wenhai.

"You..." Hu Jiefang hesitated, pointing to the small room on the east side, "Go to your room, let's have a good talk."

Hu Wenhai nodded, pushed open the door to his room, and walked in.

Hu Jiefang shook his head helplessly. His son was truly extraordinary. From a young age, he had never felt the authority of a father. As the factory manager of a large 501 Factory with thousands of employees, he always felt overpowered by his own son, which was truly bizarre.

Hu Wenhai's room was simply furnished, with a bed, a desk, and a bookshelf. The bookshelf was filled with various periodicals, magazines, and extracurricular books, and a pot of ivy on the desk had its branches trailing onto the cement floor.

Hu Jiefang sat on the bed and said seriously, "About the simulator project, do you have any confidence? You need to know that starting a project involves at least tens of thousands of funds. You need to understand what you're doing! Taking some scraps from the factory is one thing, but a real project is not a game!"

Hu Wenhai moved a chair to sit opposite him and said with a serious expression, "Dad, I have a question for you. Have you ever thought about your future path?"