Chapter 867 Let’s call it WS-20!

"80 tons... that's still a little bigger than the Y-8, right?"

Ding Gaoheng did not answer immediately, but thought for a moment and then asked Chang Haonan.

The latter nodded:

"Yes, the latest improved version of the Y-8 is the Y-8F400, with a maximum take-off weight of about 65 tons. Its load capacity at the limit can reach 20 tons, but this is only on paper. It will not actually take off like this."

Chang Haonan had previously participated in the improvement of the three types of Y-8 platforms, so he was naturally quite clear about these indicators.

After a pause, he continued:

"If the new medium-sized transport aircraft uses two high-bypass turbofan engines as power, it will definitely be larger than the Y-8 and C130. The 80-ton weight is based on the fact that military transport aircraft require excessive structural redundancy and the need for short takeoffs and landings on poor-quality runways. Otherwise, if it is calculated according to the standards of civil aircraft, a weight of about 100 tons is more than enough."

After all, the core engine of the WS-10 is based on the fourth generation. Even if it is currently in a low-calibration state due to process and material problems, the thrust indicators it will eventually show cannot be weaker than the PS4A, not to mention fuel consumption and life.

Two PS90A engines can drive the 214-ton Tu-909/C, so the two new engines will obviously have no problem at all.

"I mean, you just said that the new model is aimed at users who want to replace the old C130 and An-12. Doesn't this match their positioning needs?"

Ding Gaoheng expressed his concerns.

In other words, it is the concerns of others during the project decision-making process.

Because he took out a notebook from the drawer at the same time and wrote down some of the key points that Chang Haonan had just said -

Although the PLA Air Force itself has the need to upgrade its medium-sized transport aircraft, it is obviously not urgent as it already has nearly 76 Il-76s of various models on hand and there are still more than a dozen Il-MF orders to be delivered.

At least the priority of replacement cannot be higher than J-11B and J-10A.

Therefore, it is best to achieve a quick return on investment through export.

When it comes to exporting large aircraft, China actually doesn't have much experience.

Although several export orders for the Y-8F400 have been signed in recent years, the total transaction volume is only in the single digit.

This kind of arms sales to third world countries does not bring much profit from a single product.

The business of one or two planes per order is just for publicity.

Of course, the improved version of the Y-8 is a short, fast and low-cost project, and it is just for the sake of making money.

But new models require research and development funds.

Although it is possible to utilize the reputation that Chang Haonan has accumulated over the years and of course create value, it is not difficult to directly support the launch of a project.

But it is better to convince people with reason.

In this regard, Chang Haonan certainly has no problem.

So he immediately explained:

"Pure tactical transport aircraft like the C130 have a very simple position in the equipment sequence and must be used in conjunction with larger strategic transport aircraft. For example, the United States used the C141 before and the C17 later. The Soviets even directly canceled the upgrade plan for the An-12 and used the Il-76 as a general-purpose transport aircraft, paired with the larger An-22 to perform air transport missions..."

"But this is a method that only big countries, or at least regional powers, can afford. Now that the Cold War is over, most countries have begun to relax their military spending and can no longer afford such a complex system. Therefore, small and medium-sized countries actually need models that are not as professional but have more complete functions."

"For our new transport aircraft, we can directly refer to the fuselage cross-section of the Il-76, maintain or slightly reduce the width, and mainly reduce the length and wingspan. Although it is only 130 tons larger than the C20 in terms of volume, the actual volume of cargo that can be loaded is much larger. For small and medium-sized countries, one model can meet all needs. For us, it can also be used as a light transport aircraft in a combination of light, medium and heavy aircraft."

"We can even consider placing the hardware system required for aerial refueling on the outside of the wing during the design. As long as the fuel tank is installed in the cabin, it can take on some of the functions of an aerial refueling aircraft..."

Chang Haonan’s idea is actually to use one machine for multiple purposes.

People who lived at the turn of the century, especially the Chinese who began to bear external military pressure again after 96, actually found it difficult to imagine how exaggerated the degree of decline in military equipment in various countries around the world would be after entering the 21st century.

After all, during the Cold War, the goal of many military forces was to "make the people think they are protected."

Now that the threat from the Warsaw Pact is gone, citizens can feel they are protected even without an army.

Therefore, let alone small countries in the literal sense, even some countries that could be called "great powers" in the past, their armies can only survive from day to day.

What are the strategic transportation needs?

It's something you might not be able to catch once in several years.

When that time really comes, we can just rent a few strategic transport planes.

There are quite a few countries that hold this mentality...

After listening to Chang Haonan's complete plan, Ding Gaoheng did not hesitate for too long and answered:

"No one can have the final say on equipment development, so whether a project is approved still needs to be judged by the aviation industry and approved by the higher authorities."

"Of course, from my personal point of view, your idea should be feasible..."

In fact, being able to express your opinion to this point already means you have agreed.

As a technician and a leader, it is impossible for him to make too many promises.

"Then I'll trouble Director Ding..."

Chang Haonan also breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, the three new models after the design of WS-10 was finalized were the first batch of independently launched projects after the establishment of Aviation Power Group.

Although from his perspective as a reborn person, there will definitely be a huge market in the future.

But it is still safer to find a buyer in advance.

Otherwise, if his research and development progress is too fast and the engine has been finalized but he hasn't found a suitable installation project, it would be embarrassing.

"By the way, Xiao Chang."

Ding Gaoheng said as he closed the notebook that had already filled up half a page:

"What are you going to call this new model engine?"

The official equipment model names are actually given by the military, and sometimes the manufacturer has another naming system.

For example, the J-5 is the Dongfeng 101, and the J-6 is the Dongfeng 102...

But later, domestic research and development work was in a state of chaos for a long time, and this set of rules was gradually abandoned.

For those that were developed according to military requirements, they are basically just called by the model name.

Conversely, the military sometimes refers to the manufacturer's name.

"The WS-20..."

Chang Haonan gave this name without even thinking about it.

"The WS-11 is the power source copied from the J-8. The WS-12 is a model that was discontinued in the 80s. The WS-13 is a core engine model proposed by Liyang in 97. The number 14 has already been used by the WP-14, and it is also considered a new model. I will skip it. I plan to save the WS-15 for the real fourth-generation engine..."

"Instead of continuing to line up one by one, this high bypass ratio turbofan is a brand new beginning for our country, so it is better to jump directly to the WS-20 in one go..."

Although the situation is similar to that of WS-10, both WS-15 and WS-20 have almost no technical relationship with the models of the same name in the previous life.

But it's hard to change habits.

In this regard, Ding Gaoheng, who had no burden, naturally responded readily.

Afterwards, the two continued to talk about other things related to the WS-20.

About half an hour later, Chang Haonan was ready to get up and leave.

However, just as he was about to find an opportunity to say goodbye, he suddenly remembered something.

"Speaking of which, Director Ding, when is the first commercial route operation of C808 scheduled?"

Chang Haonan asked:

"I don't think I've received an invitation from Hufei yet."

He had previously agreed with Li Yabo that the latter would try to get the chance to participate in the maiden flight of C808.

But he sent the latter away halfway to study carbon fiber laser processing and prepare to publish it in Nature.

This research cycle is relatively long.

Therefore, as a mentor, he still has to make up for this shortcoming.

Hearing Chang Haonan's question, Ding Gaoheng was stunned for a moment, and then realized that Chang Haonan, as the leader of the Aviation Power Group, indeed could not receive situation reports from Hufei.

"It's like this, it was originally planned for November, but now it may be postponed to March or April next year."

Ding Gaoheng replied.

"what?"

Chang Haonan was stunned.

To be honest, he hasn't encountered a project delay for a long time...

Especially since C808 has even completed the evidence collection, the subsequent procedures should be smooth.

But soon, Ding Gaoheng's further explanation turned Chang Haonan's surprise into joy:

"Ivchenko and Motor Sich had some trouble with the delivery of some parts, which resulted in the engines on the mass-produced aircraft not being able to roll off the production line. Now the Ufa Engine Industrial Association and the Moscow Salute Factory are trying to fill this gap..."

"That's great..."

This was originally part of Chang Haonan's plan, so his expression at this moment was probably similar to Jim Hack's when he just heard that the former Prime Minister had died of a heart attack.

After recalling almost all the pain he had experienced in his two lifetimes, he managed to suppress his smile:

"That's a pity."

"According to the contract, they may have to pay us a large sum of liquidated damages..."