Chapter 1263 Accidentally confronted SpaceX

Chapter 1263 Accidentally confronted SpaceX

at the same time.

At the air show, in the ground exhibition area.

Although the A380 performing a flight show in the sky attracted the attention of most media and audiences, the Chinese delegation, which brought a real aircraft to the exhibition for the second time since 98, also accurately attracted the attention of some potential users.

There is no other reason, it's just that the aircraft marked as Y-9/Yun-you-9 stands out from the crowd.

Although China had sent non-combat models such as the Xian MA-60, C808 and Y-8F to participate in air shows many years ago, no matter what their specific performance is, these aircraft can still clearly show traces of Soviet design at a glance.

In short, it lacks a bit of elegance, and the workmanship details are a bit disappointing.

But this time, the core exhibits brought by the Chinese have changed the stereotypes left by the past.

Not only has the overall design begun to lean towards the European style that is more easily accepted by the market, but even the details of the prototype's putty are much better than before.

Instead, it is a bit like their performance in the helicopter field.

However, this aircraft was obviously designed independently by China, because there is no model that is even slightly similar.

If I must say, it is somewhat similar to a C17 with a smaller size and two fewer engines.

This is obviously an advantage for most potential customers.

Perhaps the only thing that may cause some concerns is that this aircraft uses a turbofan engine designed and produced by China itself.

The Chinese side obviously realized this, so while exhibiting the aircraft itself, they also brought a full-size model of the engine called the WS-20.

It also stated that for the export version, users can choose another engine according to their actual needs.

Although no further details were revealed about this option, it was assured that the optional model comes from a "well-known international supplier."

At this time in 2006, the old C130 transport aircraft equipped by many countries have gradually reached the end of their service life, while the latest C130J Super Hercules is still in the early stages of delivery, with production capacity not yet expanded and mainly for the US military's own use.

Therefore, the sudden emergence of Y-9 is equivalent to being stuck at a very clever generational change node.

Especially for many countries, with the advent of the new century, the "military" nature of transport aircraft is gradually decreasing. Many times they just need an aircraft with a large enough volume, a springboard door, and convenient loading and unloading to perform routine transportation tasks.

As a result, the already less obvious damage resistance and reliability advantages of the four-engine turboprop configuration become even more insignificant.

Therefore, even before the A380's performance ended, many interested users had gathered around the Y-9 prototype.

Many of them wore white turbans in the classic style.

These oil guys don't care about the extra money and fuel spent on the C130J, but the thing in front of them has the range and comfort of a passenger plane. Moreover, it only needs a very simple modification to be transformed into an aerial refueling aircraft. No matter how you look at it, it is more in line with the needs of the new era.

In particular, the UAE Air Force has already purchased a batch of early warning aircraft jointly developed by China and France, so it now has no psychological burden.

The look in his eyes was as if he was about to tell someone, "Take my money and get off my plane."

Of course, the Y-9 will have to undertake a large number of testing tasks in the future, so it is impossible to sell it no matter how much money the other party offers.

But it was enough to make Liang Shaoxiu, who was seeing this kind of scene for the first time, grin from ear to ear...

……

Compared to the Middle Eastern guy who clearly showed his purchasing intention, the other group seemed very restrained.

Several exhibitors with Rolls-Royce ID badges around their necks were gathered at the entrance of the Chinese exhibition area, looking from afar at the aircraft booth about a hundred meters away.

Further along this direction is the main runway of Changi Airport.

Therefore, almost everyone would subconsciously think that their attention should be focused on the A380 that had lowered its landing gear and was slowly lowering its altitude in preparation for landing.

However, for the technical personnel, the research and development and testing tasks of Trent 900 have basically come to an end, and what follows is the step-by-step mass production and market competition, which does not actually require them to pay too much attention.

On the contrary, the NGME project, which is still undisclosed, better represents the future.

However, due to the improper operations of MTU and Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce has already lost at the starting line in this competition and can only take the risk of choosing to cooperate with a non-traditional partner like China Gaofa Group.

Although the latter serves as a core supplier in the Trent 900 project and has cooperated with Snecma to launch the SeA650, a small turbofan engine that is quite competitive at this stage, it has never had any experience in the research and development of mainline-level aviation power.

The main purpose of the Rolls-Royce delegation's visit is to take advantage of the precious opportunity of the Singapore Air Show to get a feel for the formal negotiations that are about to begin.

"How do you think this aircraft compares to the A400M?"

Tim Bodie, leaning on a railing with one hand, asked the others who were following him.

"A400M... I guess they are not of the same level?"

The first person to speak was assistant Blair Liggins, who had become a close member of Bodie's team after visiting China with him.

"That's true."

Bodie shrugged.

"But I have a feeling... the Chinese may have really found the right way to develop a medium-sized transport aircraft... and judging from their naming habits, they are also preparing to equip this model, which shows that they have enough confidence in its performance and stability."

At this time, Chuck Gibson, the NGME project operations officer, who was holding a camera and taking pictures, also turned around:

"I have specifically estimated through satellite photos that the previous version equipped with the PS90A engine only conducted about 20% of the total test flights, and the remaining 80% were conducted by this and another prototype equipped with the Chinese-made engine, indicating that this model at least did not have particularly serious failures or technical problems."

In fact, there are only two Y-9 prototypes used for flight tests so far. However, the No. 01 aircraft later removed the PS90A and replaced it with a new paint job and a new WS-20, causing outside observers who did not know the reason to generally believe that there was also a No. 3 prototype.

But the conclusion is indeed very reliable.

After hearing this, Bodi hummed softly, with a complicated expression on his face.

On the one hand, now that Rolls-Royce has decided to jointly develop the next-generation medium-sized turbofan engine with China, it is obviously a good thing for the partner to have stronger technical level.

At least it will be easier to compete with the Pratt & Whitney/MTU consortium.

But on the other hand, Rolls-Royce also hopes to take absolute control in the cooperation.

Even if Gaofa Group cannot be counted as a parts supplier like the Trent 900, it must at least ensure that NGME is a model belonging to Rolls-Royce, not the other party.

However, there is still no sign of Rolls-Royce's technical solutions, while China's WS-20 has already been installed and carried out a total of several thousand hours of test flights.

And there have been no major problems.

In other words, the new model jointly developed by the two parties will most likely be based on the overall design of the other party, supplemented by some core technologies provided by Rolls-Royce for improvement.

How can we talk about taking the lead?

It would be good if we don't become a supplier to others...

For a moment, Bodi couldn't help but immerse himself in the emo of the reverse Tiangang.

About ten minutes later, the A380's aerial show was completely over, and the area around the Y-9 booth began to be cleared, preparing to tow the aircraft to the apron next door for preparations before the flight show.

As the only real aircraft on display left, the number of visitors gathered in the Huaxia exhibition area quickly decreased, and soon only a dozen or so figures were left.

"Let's go and take a closer look."

Although what Gaofa Group brought this time was just a model, it was very sincere.

Not only is the size and appearance restored 1:1, there is even a transparent cross-section through which you can directly see the internal structure.

Bodi and his team were well prepared this time, with telescopes, cameras, and telephoto lenses.

It's just that taking out these things in front of everyone's eyes is a bit too conspicuous, so I've been waiting for this sparsely populated opportunity.

The group walked into the Huaxia exhibition area in a mighty procession, and headed straight for the WS-20 model booth with a clear goal. Some took notes, and some took photos.

After all, there are many people and eyes on the scene, so the more specific technical analysis work will definitely be done after we return.

Therefore, after Bodie walked around the fence a few times, his attention was inevitably drawn to the surroundings.

then……

He saw a wheeled chassis of astonishing length and a large number of axles.

"The Chinese brought long-range ballistic missiles to the exhibition?"

Bodie's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Although it is almost common knowledge that China has conducted what may be the only international trade in medium-range ballistic missiles to date, it was done in secret after all.

Now it is displayed directly on the air show booth, which is a bit too bold.

Driven by curiosity, he took two steps at a time and walked up to the exquisitely crafted model.

But I only saw a line of English letters on the nameplate below:

Space rapid response service "Orbital Express".

To respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, the launch and orbit placement can be completed within a week at the shortest...

Small satellites do not need to wait for a ride, the launch cost is low, and the launch schedule is flexible...

……

"Isn't this exactly the business that SpaceX promoted a while ago?"