Chapter 224: Drone test flight, netizens went wild [ more subscriptions required]

"We have finally completed the manufacturing of this turboprop engine on time, without affecting the progress of your project."

Thursday, October 2011, 5, Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute.

Chang Hanping, an engineer at Xijing Aero-Engine Group, looked at the engine being assembled with a drone in front of him and spoke with joy to Xu Yuan and Liang Zhanjun beside him.

Although I have just finished my labor holiday, I dare not delay my work at all.

Ever since he got the turboprop engine drawings from Xu Yuan, it has been listed as a key project by the group.

Invest a lot of resources in R&D and manufacturing.

During the process, Xu Yuan was specially invited to guide the work, and finally this advanced turboprop engine was manufactured and successfully passed various performance tests of the group.

"At present, our drones have completed the manufacturing of avionics and various internal structures."

"Once the tail engine is in place, the first flight test can be carried out in as little as two months."

Liang Zhanjun took over Chang Hanping's words and added, without hiding the excited smile on his face as he spoke.

When Xu Yuan first restarted the drone project, he didn't understand it.

Especially when I saw the drone design plan that Xu Yuan came up with, I felt it was a fantasy.

It is simply impossible to achieve such parameters.

However, as I got more involved in the research and development of this project, especially when I saw Xu Yuan solved the engine and material problems, the expected data parameters of the drone in the plan began to emerge in my mind uncontrollably again.

Maybe they can pull it off.

Develop the world's most advanced drones that far surpass overseas levels.

In order to determine the final result, flight tests must be conducted and actual data must be used to speak.

Therefore, he couldn't help but get excited at the thought of being able to test fly in two months.

At this time Xu Yuan was no longer silent.

He turned his head to look at Chang Hanping beside him and responded with a smile:
"Thank you for your hard work, Chang Gong."

He spent most of his time in the institute in the months after the Spring Festival.

Also keep an eye on the engine's progress from time to time.

Now that we have finally achieved results, I am naturally in a good mood.

When Chang Hanping heard this, he shook his head like a rattle and continued speaking seriously.

"Professor Xu, you are being too polite. This is something we should do well."

"If it weren't for your research on turboprop engines and the design drawings you drew, we wouldn't have been able to break through the small-diameter engine technology and develop this turboprop engine with superior performance."

When he said this, Chang Hanping seemed very excited, even fanatical.

The older generation of scientific researchers like them can be said to dream of making the country's engine technology powerful.

In the past, domestic engine technology has always been weak compared with overseas ones, including aerospace engines.

Although fighter jets have been updated and upgraded rapidly in recent years, especially the development of domestically-produced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the turbofan engines are still more dependent on imports from overseas.

The small-diameter engine technology used in drones is the weakest of the weak.

After all, the development trend of cruise missiles carried by drones is tube-launched.

This makes it easy to integrate with airborne or even vehicle-mounted systems.

A key technology of tube launch is folding wings, which only makes sense when using a small-diameter engine.

It just so happened that Xu Yuan designed a turboprop engine himself, and its performance was even better than that of advanced overseas engines, which solved the problem of small-diameter engines.

Through this turboprop engine, their group also improved the turbofan engine model.

I believe that it won’t be long before domestic fighter jets can be equipped with more advanced domestic engines.

Whenever I think of these situations, beautiful visions of the future emerge in my mind.

"After adopting the latest high-performance carbon fiber composite materials, our drones have seen a significant reduction in weight and a clear increase in strength."

"The next step is to see whether the aircraft can achieve the expected payload and range parameters after the test flight."

Liang Zhanjun suddenly responded, and for some reason he felt anxious and worried.

They believe that their own drones will not disappoint people, but they are also worried that the test flight data will not be so impressive.

Xu Yuan listened to these words and naturally expressed his understanding of Liang Zhanjun's feelings.

But he was confident.

"Don't worry, our drone will definitely give the whole world a fright."

He turned around and replied to Liang Zhanjun.

And what he said was indeed correct. The launch of this drone is definitely a surprise to the country.

But it was definitely a shock to overseas parties.

After all, a drone with such a long range, heavy payload and multi-purpose can already be called intercontinental.

This is absolutely unimaginable overseas at present.

Chang Hanping also expressed his agreement after hearing this. Perhaps it was the confidence given by the excellent performance of this turboprop engine that he immediately nodded in agreement.

"I believe what Professor Xu said."

"This turboprop engine alone, although it has a small diameter, has a horsepower of more than 1100."

“It can definitely be called the most advanced turboprop engine in the world.”

"The drone equipped with this turboprop engine will definitely be the most advanced in the world."

It has to be said that Chang Hanping's words touched Xu Yuan's heart. After the other party finished speaking, Xu Yuan extended the invitation.

"I hope it's just as Mr. Chang said. I also hope Mr. Chang can come and participate in the first flight test later."

"of course."

Chang Hanping immediately replied: "Even if you don't tell me, I will definitely come to witness it."

When the conversation between the few people reached this point, Liang Zhanjun excitedly spoke up to make another guarantee.

"After the engines arrive, we will speed up the final progress and strive to make the aircraft meet the first flight standards within two months."

"Don't be too anxious when it's my turn. Just proceed step by step." Xu Yuan nodded and added after hearing Liang Zhanjun's words.

As an old man in the institute, Liang Zhanjun naturally knew the requirements of the project.

I will definitely not do anything that will force things to happen.

So he specifically explained: "We know what we are doing. Now the core components of the drone have been completed, and only some work on the outer shell is left." A confident smile appeared on his face as he said this.

Xu Yuan also knows the current situation of this drone.

After completing the assembly of the tail turboprop engine, the progress will basically reach more than 90%.

There is no problem in spending two months preparing for the first flight test.

that's it.

In the following time, Xu Yuan and Chang Hanping left the assembly workshop.

Didn't stay in the workshop all the time to pay attention.

After all, most of the specific work of the drone project is still under the charge of Liang Zhanjun.

At this point, he no longer needs to worry about anything.

Chang Hanping can be considered a relatively pure scientific researcher, with technology almost the only thing on his mind.

It can be said that I have no pursuit of external material things.

Even if I come to Jincheng on a business trip to complete a task, I am reluctant to waste this short and fragmented time.

Whenever he found an opportunity, he would take the initiative to discuss engine technology with Xu Yuan.

Because in his opinion, since Xu Yuan was able to design such a small-diameter turboprop engine with superior performance, his research level on engines must be very high, which must also include other types of engines.

It is of great help to the rise of domestic engines.

To be honest, he really hopes Xu Yuan can join them, Xifa, and he also believes that if it can be realized, domestic engine technology will inevitably show a substantial upward trend in a short period of time.

But he also knew the burden Xu Yuan was carrying now.

In addition to being a master mathematician in the field of mathematics, he is also responsible for projects in both aviation and aerospace systems.

Even if Xifa wanted to poach people, other research institutes would definitely not agree.

Fortunately, relying on this design drawing, they have improved the performance of domestic engines.

In a way, it was a big surprise.

Xu Yuan was well aware of Chang Hanping's character, so he was happy to discuss engine technology with him.

After all, it is a very good thing to see the rise of domestic engines.

You should know that the engine, as the heart of all aircraft, plays an important role in the overall performance of the aircraft.

-

Time passed by minute by minute.

Two months later.

Thanks to the efforts of Liang Zhanjun and other project team members, this reconnaissance and strike drone was finally completed.

It is presented to everyone with a complete body.

During these two months, Xu Yuan did not forget to study the derivation of Hodge's conjecture.

The Hodge conjecture is the most counterintuitive mathematical problem in the world, and it can be said to bring together the most abstract mathematical concepts.

It is a conjecture concerning the algebraic topology of non-singular complex algebraic varieties and their geometry described by polynomial equations defining subvaries.

On a non-singular projective algebraic variety, every harmonic differential form is algebraically closed, a rational combination of cohomology classes.

The nature of modern mathematics makes most of its conjectures almost impossible for ordinary people to understand.

This is in stark contrast to number theory.

That night.

Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute.

In a room, Xu Yuan sat at a desk, lowering his eyes and looking very focused.

It seems to have entered the state of deep learning.

If you follow his line of sight, you can see a large number of manuscripts filled with mathematical formulas piled on the desk.

They are all his masterpieces during his time in Jincheng.

"Non-singular projective algebraic varieties, a smooth multidimensional surface."

"It's like solving an algebraic equation for a sphere to get a smooth two-dimensional surface."

Xu Yuan's mind was working quickly as he spoke mathematical terms and wrote formulas on the draft.

“x+y+z=a”

……

As time passed, Xu Yuan stopped only when the clock reached ten o'clock in the evening.

Then he looked at the progress bar on the screen and exited the deep learning state.

-

Task: Proof of Hodge conjecture

Subject: Mathematics

Progress: 5%
Result: Not completed
"To prove the Hodge conjecture, it is not easy to establish a basic connection between the three disciplines of algebraic geometry, analysis and topology."

He put the pen in his hand into the pen holder on the table, rubbed his temple with a complicated expression.

Previously, he started from generalizing the idea of ​​Riemann surfaces into the highly abstract concept of complex manifolds.

That is, a multidimensional analogue of the Riemann surface with a complex topological structure.

The resulting non-singular projective complex algebraic variety is a special type of complex manifold.

By applying analytical methods to algebraic manifolds, it was realized that the rational cohomology class of differential forms arising from a non-singular projective complex algebraic variety can be viewed as solutions to Laplace's equations.

Make the progress on the panel progress bar increase to five percent.

You have to know that before this, the progress bar was always zero, indicating that he had not found the right direction.

Therefore, when he suddenly saw a 5% increase, he was very excited.

It feels like I've finally found the right method.

Although he is still a long way from truly proving the Hodge conjecture, it undoubtedly gave him a shot in the arm.

Research on the Hodge conjecture gives more confidence.

Unfortunately, the effect of this shot in the arm did not last long.

He soon discovered that there was no new progress in this direction of research.

It's like moving from one predicament to a new one.

If this happens, it probably means that the current proof idea is not correct.

In other words, it needs to be overturned and started over.

As a result, all his previous manuscripts became waste.

Nothing of value.

However, this situation was within his expectations. After all, if it was so easy to prove, it would not be called a world mathematical problem.

What’s more, it is the most abstract mathematical problem in the world.

But the current predicament does not mean the problem, and his confidence in proving the Hodge conjecture has not disappeared.

Anyway, there is plenty of time.

The next second he stood up, walked to the window and closed it, then suddenly began to murmur thoughtfully.

"It seems that I need to discuss algebraic geometry more with Professor Deligne. This may help me generate some inspiration."

Through his research on the Hodge conjecture during this period, he realized that it was too difficult to rely on himself alone. Communicating and discussing with mathematicians might make it easier to generate new inspiration.

In the field of algebraic geometry, no one doubts Deligne's authority.

The key is that the other party has made considerable scientific research and academic achievements in the study of Hodge theory.

But just as he was about to open his computer to send an email, his eyes fell on the hands of the clock on the wall.

Seeing that it was already past ten o'clock in the evening, he thought for a moment, shook his head and murmured.

"never mind."

"Let's talk about it in two days."

"Tomorrow's first flight test cannot be delayed."

"sleep earlier."

After washing up, he went back to bed to rest so that he could be in a good state of mind for the next day.

Yes.

After two months of assembly, the drone has passed the entire ground testing process.

Meet the requirements for first flight test.

After research at the institute, it was decided to set the test flight date for tomorrow.

As for the drone, it still uses the previous name and the model is the Wing Loong reconnaissance and strike drone.

Its flight test content mainly focuses on maximum flight time and range, as well as maximum take-off weight.

Because the UAV project of Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute has attracted attention from the other two institutes since its inception.

Everyone is very concerned about the actual performance of such a long-range, heavy-load, and multi-purpose drone.

Therefore, when Academician Gao Yuhe of the Fengtian Institute and Chief Designer Huang Yunliang of the Xi'an Aircraft Industry Research Institute learned that the Wing Loong was going to conduct its first flight test, they both expressed their desire to come and watch.

They all arrived in Jincheng this afternoon.

Besides.

Also included is Aviation Industry Chairman Lu Dongming and Air Force Commander Yue Jinwei.

Without exception, they were all curious about pterosaurs.

If it is just an ordinary drone, then this kind of first flight test is basically an internal matter of the research institute.

Earlier at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China meeting, Xu Yuan explained the expected parameters of the Wing Loong UAV.

The maximum range is tens of thousands of kilometers, and the flight time is more than forty hours.

No matter which data, we must pay attention to it.

Moreover, with this range and endurance, the maximum take-off weight directly exceeds 6000 kilograms.

I believe every country would like to have this kind of powerful drone.

However, with so many people coming to watch the first flight test, this has doubled the pressure on the entire Wing Loong project team.

After all, if the final test results are too different from expectations, the Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute will lose face.

……

No words were spoken all night.

The next day.

After having breakfast in the institute’s cafeteria, Xu Yuan went to the Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute Airport with Liang Zhanjun, Zhao Yuefeng and other project team members.

It was here that the first flight of the fifth-generation domestically-produced stealth fighter was completed to the world.

Showed the world the most advanced stealth fighter.

And today is the stage for pterosaurs.

The only difference is that this is an internal maiden flight test and will not be announced to the outside world for the time being.

The actual level of each parameter of the main pterosaurs is still unknown.

I will definitely not make it public rashly.

As soon as Xu Yuan arrived at the test airport, he looked over and immediately saw the familiar figures of Gao Yuhe, Huang Yunliang and Lu Dongming.

In addition, Yue Jinwei had also arrived at the scene a long time ago.

Then there is Jia Yueguang, director of the Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute.

Because it was July and the weather was hot, most people were wearing light-colored short-sleeved shirts.

Only Yue Jinwei was still in full uniform.

But what surprised him was that the other people were talking to Chang Hanping.

They seem to have a very familiar relationship.

However, when thinking about the Fengtian and Xijing Research Institute projects, in addition to overseas imports, Xifa engines will also be used, so it is normal for them to be familiar with each other.

The thought stayed here, Xu Yuan no longer hesitated, and immediately quickened his pace and walked over. "Academician Gao."

"Commander Yue."

……

When he arrived, Xu Yuan first greeted Gao Yuhe and Yue Jinwei who were closest to him.

Then he exchanged a few words with Huang Yunliang, Lu Dongming, and Chang Hanping and others behind him.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gao Yuhe's surprised voice came to his ears.

"If I hadn't talked to Lao Chang just now, we wouldn't have known that the turboprop engine used in your drone was actually designed by you."

Although I knew that Xu Yuan had research in many fields, I didn't know that Xu Yuan also understood engines before.

And according to Chang Hanping's evaluation, the performance of the designed engine is also very superior.

Whether it is him or Huang Yunliang, the research and development of the aircraft projects in their own research institutes cannot be separated from the engine.

It is definitely a good thing to see the domestic engine technology being updated.

"Old Chang was full of praise for the engine you designed. It even led to an update in domestic engine technology." Before Xu Yuan could answer, Huang Yunliang next to him couldn't wait to interrupt.

After hearing everything the two said, Xu Yuan could only reply with a smile.

"I just had that idea by chance, so I asked Chang Gong and others to help with research and development. It is indeed an expected surprise that the technology of domestic engines can be upgraded."

He still maintained a humble attitude and did not take all the credit for himself.

Chang Hanping immediately continued after hearing this:

"Professor Xu has a lot of ideas about engines. His level is far higher than mine."

"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me. During this period, I often pestered Professor Xu to discuss engine technology, and I gained a lot from it."

As everyone listened to Chang Hanping's generous praise of Xu Yuan, they immediately gained a more comprehensive understanding of Xu Yuan's engine research and development technology.

At the same time, I felt more and more that Xu Yuan was extremely talented and could achieve results in any subject area.

Then Lu Dongming next to him no longer remained silent and expressed his own opinion on the matter.

"Due to the technical deficiencies of our engines in recent years, most of our cutting-edge aircraft, including stealth fighters, have to import advanced engines from overseas."

"In the long run, it is not conducive to our development, and we have always adhered to the concept of de-overseasization."

“We strive to make every aircraft 100% domestically produced.”

"Xu Yuan was able to design the engine himself and indirectly helped domestic engine technology reach a new level. This is indeed something worth celebrating."

"As long as domestic engines can rise, we can gradually replace the foreign engines on fighter planes in the future."

When Lu Dongming talked about this, he seemed very excited.

It's clear what this means.

When Lu Dongming finished speaking, Liang Zhanjun, who was standing next to Xu Yuan, said with a smile on his face:
"Speaking of which, our Wing Loong UAV, whether it is the avionics system or the materials and engines, has all achieved 100% localization, which is also a new milestone."

He said this without concealing the pride and honor on his face.

As the director of the institute, Jia Yueguang did not speak at this time, but he could not help feeling happy.

No matter what, the Wing Loong UAV is a project of the institute, and he, as the director, will be proud of its excellent performance.

Compared to Lu Dongming's focus on the engine, Yue Jinwei was more curious about the drone.

After all, if drones are put into service in the future, the extent of their combat capability will be very critical.

So at this time, he couldn't wait and immediately looked at Xu Yuan and asked.

"Professor Xu, can the Wing Loong UAV you developed really meet the parameters mentioned in the previous meeting?"

Seeing that Yue Jinwei's expectations had been completely aroused, Xu Yuan immediately answered with a mysterious smile on his face.

"Commander Yue."

"To be honest, I can't accurately judge the specific performance parameters before the official first flight test."

"But I have great confidence in Pterosaur."

"I believe I will give everyone a big surprise later."

It’s not that he is deliberately keeping it a secret. After all, the drone has only undergone ground system testing so far.

It is indeed difficult to predict how the aircraft will perform during flight.

It is impossible to give an accurate judgment.

In short, to put it in a common saying, you can only tell whether it is a mule or a horse by taking it out for a walk.

But this undoubtedly made Yue Jinwei even more excited.

Even this level is comparable to the first flight of the previous stealth fighter.

The next second, he couldn't help but urge again: "Then let's start the test quickly."

This statement was also deeply recognized by Huang Yunliang, Gao Yuhe and others, who took over the conversation and echoed it.

"It's almost time to start."

"Let's see if the performance of this drone can reach the expected value."

Having said that, Xu Yuan looked at the time and found that it was almost the same as originally scheduled, then he turned his head to look at Liang Zhanjun.

"Then let's get started."

Liang Zhanjun nodded immediately after hearing this: "No problem, I guess Xiao Zhao and the others can't wait any longer."

Having said that, he started to make arrangements immediately.

Soon, under the gaze of everyone at the scene, the warehouse door on the right side slowly rose up.

A huge plane drove out from it.

To the naked eye, the length of the aircraft is over 12 meters, and its wingspan is an astonishing 24 meters.

With a height of more than four meters and a light gray paint job, it is definitely a big guy visually.

You should know that even the wingspan of the domestically-produced stealth fighter is only about 13 meters.

Everyone looked at such a huge and powerful aircraft. If they didn't know the details, it would be hard to imagine that this was a so-called drone.

At the same time, a question mark emerged in the minds of many people at this moment.

Can such a huge aircraft really have such a long range?
As for Huang Yunliang's heart at this moment, although he told himself more than once.

The plane in front of us is just a drone.

But another voice inevitably emerged in my mind, questioning if this was really not a bomber?
Just as everyone in the audience was thinking quickly, Zhao Yuefeng trotted to the stage and reported according to the procedure.

"Report to the commander-in-chief."

"The Wing Loong UAV has completed final inspection and meets flight requirements."

"Request to start test flight."

As the person in charge of the Wing Loong UAV project, Xu Yuan naturally serves as the on-site commander on this occasion today.

After listening to Zhao Yuefeng's report, he issued instructions according to the procedure.

"Permission to take off."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yuefeng trotted back to the computer and began to operate the aircraft and issue flight instructions.

Soon, under everyone's watch, the turboprop engine at the tail of the drone began to work, and after traveling a distance on the runway, the aircraft successfully left the ground and flew into the air.

The whole process can be said to be completed in one go.

Seeing that everyone was craning their necks to lock onto the drone, Xu Yuan smiled and explained.

"This flight test is mainly for the maximum take-off weight, and the aircraft is currently fully loaded."

“It now appears that the success has met expectations.”

Although the aircraft will not carry ammunition during its first flight test, weight will naturally be increased for the sake of test data.

Judging from the state at takeoff and its current stable flying posture, the test was obviously very successful.

Even if the expected maximum take-off weight of 6200 kg is reached, the aircraft will not be affected.

At this moment, Yue Jinwei was very excited when he heard Xu Yuan's introduction.

Since the maximum take-off weight has been confirmed, the range of tens of thousands of kilometers and forty hours of flight time should not be a problem.

If this is the case, the value of this Wing Loong UAV will be greatly improved.

After all, the large payload and long range are definitely a nightmare that the enemy does not want to face.

Moreover, compared with fighter jets and bombers, the research and development and maintenance costs of drones are definitely much lower, and they can be produced and put into service in large quantities.

If faced with certain special battlefield situations, it can even transform into an aerial bomb truck to attack.

Just as Yue Jinwei was thinking about this, Xu Yuan's voice suddenly came to his ear again.

"In our design of the Wing Loong UAV, the two-ton payload is mainly mounted on common small missiles, as well as short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles, small bombs and ammunition dispensers."

“So this drone can not only act as a bomb truck, but can also perform electronic reconnaissance and suppression and cluster munitions dispersal missions.”

"Even a certain degree of air self-defense strikes, air superiority combat missions, etc."

"Another 0.3 tons of internal payload is mission equipment, such as electro-optical sensors, satellite navigation, and data links."

“It really shows his versatility.”

……

In this way, under Xu Yuan's explanation, the maximum take-off weight test of the Wing Loong UAV was successfully completed.

Next comes the most important maximum range and endurance.

Because theoretically the drone's range will exceed 10,000 kilometers and its flight time will be 40 hours, the drone's autonomous flight route was planned in advance.

If nothing unexpected happens, the test will last for two days and span many cities across the country.

Of course, the flight route intentionally deviates from densely populated urban areas and flies more over rural areas and wilderness.

Even if it is photographed by chance, it will just be treated as a normal plane and will not have any impact.

Due to the test time issue, after the plane took off again and disappeared from sight, there was not much point for Xu Yuan and others to stay in the audience seats.

Then Xu Yuan stood up and said to the people in front of him:
"We have prepared a special room for the drone control system, where people can go to view the drone's perspective."

The voice just fell.

Yue Jinwei and Lu Dongming moved very quickly, immediately stood up and walked towards Xu Yuan.

Obviously, the pterosaur's performance just now has increased their expectations.

Xu Yuan naturally would not waste any time on this matter, and immediately walked towards the control room with Jia Yueguang, Liang Zhanjun and others.

-

Soon everyone arrived at the control room and saw Zhao Yuefeng and other engineers sitting in front of the computer, always paying attention to the overall condition of the drone.

And on the large screen in the middle, the picture shows the perspective of the drone.

Judging from the values ​​given, it is currently at an altitude of several thousand meters and is flying very fast.

However, because the entire test route reaches 10,000 kilometers, the environment in different sections is also different.

And they will encounter complex and changing environments, which is also a test for drones.

See if it can ensure stable flight by relying on its own aerodynamic layout design.

During the flight, the drone will also fly at different altitudes to ensure that there are no blind spots at all levels.

At this time, in front of everyone, Liang Zhanjun did not forget to continue talking about Xu Yuan’s contribution to drones.

Then he pointed to the drone platform system on the screen in front of him and said:

"The main program of the Wing Loong UAV platform system we are currently using was also built and developed by Xu Yuan. While ensuring the autonomous navigation and intelligent target identification of the aircraft to complete the mission, it can also realize the autonomous coordinated combat of multiple UAVs."

"If other types of drones also use the Wing Loong drone platform in the future, they can form a drone formation to perform missions."

"If used in conjunction with a fighter jet, it can definitely produce unexpected results."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jia Yueguang, who was smiling next to him, also took over the conversation and added with a smile.

"Today is the first time that our institute has conducted such a long endurance flight test, which can be regarded as setting a new record."

The one who was equally happy at this moment was Chang Hanping.

After all, the drone's engine performed well, which can be regarded as a strong advertisement for domestic drones.

Although the entire test flight lasted two days, everyone seemed to be in high spirits the whole time.

Apart from going to the institute's cafeteria to eat and go to the toilet, I spent most of my time paying attention to the flight of the pterosaur.

Every additional minute of primary flight time brings the aircraft closer to the expected parameters.

Soon it was afternoon.

Huang Yunliang seemed to have discovered something at this time, and his face suddenly became solemn.

Then he turned his head and looked at Xu Yuan and said:
"According to the latest local weather forecast information, when the drone flies over the scheduled route at night, it may encounter sudden weather changes such as gusty winds and heavy rain, which may have a great impact on the drone."

"Do you want to change the route in advance, or choose to return?"

Whether it is a drone or a fighter bomber, the range it can achieve is closely related to the environment.

In harsh environments, it will definitely have an impact on the aircraft.

Faced with this sudden change in environment, the maximum range that the drone can ultimately achieve will definitely decrease.

Unable to implement expected parameters.

As the first flight test, if encountered such a situation, changing the route or returning would be more appropriate options.

After listening to Huang Yunliang's words, Xu Yuan naturally understood what the other party was worried about.

But he shook his head.

"With such a long flight time, our drones will inevitably encounter sudden weather changes when performing missions."

“It has to be overcome.”

"When designing the aerodynamic layout of the drone, I deliberately adopted a special layout of winglets at the wingtip to reduce the induced drag of the aircraft, thereby increasing the stability and maximum range of the aircraft."

Seeing that Xu Yuan was so confident, Huang Yunliang naturally stopped trying to persuade him.

Anyway, we will know the specific performance of the aircraft at night.

……

……

Su Hongxiang is a photography enthusiast who likes to go outdoors to find suitable angles to shoot the scenery.

Because they are very professional and often share photos on Weibo.

I can also be called a photography blogger.

Today he deliberately chose an open place, intending to take a set of photos with dusk and sunset as the theme.

Unfortunately, after setting up the equipment, I found that the sunset was blocked by clouds.

"The weather is so changeable. Where do all these clouds come from? Is it going to rain?"

I stood there and waited for a while, but found that the clouds still showed no sign of dispersing, so after complaining to myself, I decided to pack up my equipment and give up today's filming.

After all, he is quite far away from the city right now, and it would be troublesome if it really rains.

At this moment, a flying object in the sky suddenly caught his attention.

I subconsciously raised my head to check.

"what is that?"

As a passionate young man who is less than 30 years old, he is naturally very familiar with domestic fighter jets.

Although the flying object in the sky could not be seen clearly due to the altitude, it could be roughly determined from its appearance that it was not a familiar fighter.

After a slight hesitation, he raised his camera and took a photo.

I thought about asking netizens after I get home.

In fact, he did just that. When he returned home in the evening, he posted this photo on Weibo.

"I came back in the evening and saw a strange flying object by chance. Could it be that I met an alien?"

Thanks to the account’s fan base, many people naturally clicked in to check it out soon after the post was successfully published.

But because it was too vague and no one thought much about it, the comments section was mostly filled with mocking remarks about aliens.

Some even directly called it a J-20 fighter jet.

Su Hongxiang took a quick look at the comments, thought they were uninteresting, and turned off the screen and stopped paying attention.

But what he didn't know was that when the next morning came, new photos appeared on Weibo.

Although it looks equally blurry, it can be basically confirmed that the strange aircraft in the photo is the same one.

Or the same model.

The key point is that the direct distance between their two shooting locations is more than a thousand kilometers.

And in the end, there were more than just these two similar photos that appeared online.

If it is inferred that the flying object in the photo belongs to the same one, it means that the flying object never landed.

As the popularity began to increase, it not only attracted the attention of many netizens, but also many aviation enthusiasts joined in the analysis.

It is believed that the country has most likely developed a new aircraft, and its flight time has reached a terrifying level.

But no one could guess the type of this strange flying object.

Because it's just too weird.

"I've seen several photos from different angles today. It feels like this happens to a lot of people."

"The distance in between is so long, and it has been flying all the time. I feel like the performance of this aircraft is incredible!"

"Could it be that we have developed a new fighter jet? The update speed is too fast."

"According to the formula, the wingspan of this aircraft is more than 20 meters. It definitely can't be a fighter. I think it's a new type of bomber."

"I'm so curious, but the key is that no official information has been released."

"Anyway, it can't be aliens, and it has nothing to do with overseas aircraft. As long as it is developed by us, it will be announced sooner or later."

"It seems like this plane hasn't landed yet. How crazy is its maximum range?"

……

The internet was in an uproar over a few blurry photos, with many netizens joining the discussion out of curiosity.

But there was nothing found.

At this moment, Xu Yuan and his colleagues from the aircraft R&D team were very satisfied with the performance of the Wing Loong in the control room.

According to the real-time feedback from the drone, after going through the harsh environment at night, the aircraft still maintained a stable flight attitude and was not affected by sudden changes in the environment.

In addition, based on the estimated remaining range, it can be basically confirmed that the total range will reach 10,000 kilometers.

(End of this chapter)