Free Web NovelChapter 1088: Chapter 539: J-40, Enter the Stage!_1
The Kunlun II engine became the focus and was bound to be deeply scrutinized by the media and professionals. As soon as images of the prototype taken at the scene were released, knowledgeable people could tell it was a very high-end engine.
However, the actual performance of the engine and whether it could meet the labeled specifications remained unknown; no one dared to claim the labels were factual.
Many from the aviation field and military representatives were interested in the Kunlun II engine, but they also just spectated and inquired whether there would be any performance demonstrations or flight tests, yet no clear answers were provided.
When similar responses were given over a long period, skepticism was sure to arise in public opinion.
For instance, some said, "The Kunlun II engine is just for show."
Others claimed, "The engine exists only in design, presenting an imaginary prototype in the hopes of landing a big contract to continue research, which is essentially getting something for nothing."
More optimistic views suggested, "The engine hasn’t been perfected, but producing a prototype and achieving some research progress indicate it’s only a matter of time before the technology matures."
And so on.
Undeniably, there was always skepticism, as the prototypes hadn’t been tested on-site, nor had there been any plans to install them on aircraft.
If it were a powerful Western aero company, most wouldn’t question it, but it was different for domestic Aviation Groups, which didn’t possess such advanced technology to produce high-end aviation engines.
Domestic public opinion was filled with skepticism, but fortunately, there was strong support for independent research in the country. The general public believed that even if it was an immature product on display, its high specifications to some extent demonstrated the advancement of domestic aviation technology, which was already a significant improvement.
In summary, there were many voices of skepticism and many voices of support.
Whether doubting or supporting, the consensus was that the majority didn’t believe the Kunlun II engine was mature enough for export.
As the person in charge of the Kunlun II Engine, Zhang Gangchuan was under tremendous pressure.
When he stood on the exhibition stand to give an introduction, he would inevitably be asked about technical issues, and he could only brazenly claim that the Kunlun II was already sufficient for aircraft installation and even mature enough for service.
But it just wasn’t true!
Luckily, most doubts were centered around the Aviation Group’s ability to manufacture such high-end engines, rather than the Kunlun II engine specifically.
On this matter, Zhang Gangchuan had confidence.
The Aviation Group doesn’t have the capability?
Wrong!
The Aviation Group was extremely capable, even adept at understanding higher-end fifth-generation engines, but the Kunlun II’s development was "slow", and as such was not yet able to be produced; the second part of this statement was conveniently ignored.
Zhang Gangchuan asserted the first part with certainty, uttering the words with heartfelt emotion that seemed quite persuasive.
Unfortunately, nobody believed it.
At this time, the discussion around the Kunlun II engine was fermenting in public debate, with hordes of netizens joining in. Some compared the photos of the original Kunlun engine prototypes to the current Kunlun II, finding no resemblance whatsoever.
Perhaps there was one similarity: they were both aero turbofan engines.
That was it.
The leadership of the Aviation Group was also monitoring public sentiment, but they didn’t concern themselves with the growing debate. Instead, their focus was on having Zhang Gangchuan withstand the pressure and not be overwhelmed by the various doubts.
Although the Kunlun II technology was still immature, it had to appear mature.
"It will be ready soon!"
"The doubts will vanish in no time; for now, all we can do is assert confidently and show no weakness!"
"Old Zhang, you may not be great with technology, but when it comes to saving face, that’s where you have to excel!"
The final words of Liu Jiankun left Zhang Gangchuan feeling like he wanted to vomit blood; if it weren’t for the mandatory demands from his superiors, he would not be bluffing about immature technology being mature.
Even though he’d gotten somewhat used to the bluffing after doing it for two or three days straight, constantly emphasising something incomplete still made him feel awkward inside.
Day three.
There was a slight turn in public opinion due to the appearance of the J-20 over the air show.
The J-20’s appearance was incredibly impressive; it merely flew by without performing any stunts, but that was enough to make an impact.
The J-20 was a highly anticipated model, and many foreign media came to cover it, mainly for the J-20. The international reviews were very positive, describing it as the ’pinnacle of fourth-generation jets’, and even comparable to fifth-generation fighters.
Domestic sentiments were boiling with excitement, and many people began discussing the J-20.
"The J-20 is so cool!"
"This is the essence of our national fighters! It’s definitely not inferior to the world’s top fighter jets."
"The F-35 is no match!"
"I guess an F-22 comparison would be more appropriate; both are heavy fighter jets, which could make for a good match-up!"
Domestic opinion praised the J-20, while it also became a major focus for international press.
The appearance of the J-20 on the third day, traditionally symbolizing the ’pillar’, was a point of disappointment for many.
What about the J-40?
Gone?
"There must have been a mistake; the aircraft that made an appearance is the J-20, not the J-40!"
"That’s such a pity, I was hoping for a surprise!"
"Seeing the J-20 is still good; it’s said to be the mainstay in the future!" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
"A heavy fighter as the mainstay? That’s difficult, isn’t it? Medium fighters are the best fit, heavy ones can’t operate on aircraft carriers..."
