The military-industrial scientific research system of the academic master.

"It is absolutely impossible for Airbus to buy aircraft from China."

Schneider rejected it directly without hesitation:

"Not to mention China, even Boeing."

As a manager, he needs to consider many more issues than Lorenzo who is purely technical:

"Not to mention that from a legal perspective, it is impossible for a civilian Tupolev bomber to pass operational approval. Even if we take a step back and the JAA gives special permission on this matter, we cannot afford to lose that person. It’s like the president of Mercedes-Benz would never travel in a BMW.”

"At least not until retirement."

"But this is really important to us..."

Lorenzo scratched his head.

He also realized that the other party had a point.

And even if you don’t consider the face issue, the modification potential of a medium bomber is indeed not large enough. If three nozzles are really installed at the same time, the water tank in the aircraft may be exhausted in less than a few minutes, even if the test time required by SLC conditions is far away. If it is shorter than normal, there is a high probability that a complete test flight will not be completed.

In addition, we must also consider that it has not been many years since the end of the Cold War. If European people see a plane that looks almost exactly like Figure 16 passing over their heads, it is likely to cause panic.

"Anyway, let's not rush this matter. After all, before the test results come out, it is possible that the Chinese are just bragging."

Schneider moved his aching body and yawned again:

"I think it's not too late to discuss this matter until you're sure how credible what they said is, don't you think?"

"Okay, you're right."

Lorenzo, who also realized that his opinion on buying a plane was somewhat unreliable, could only nod his head:

"But now I'm looking forward to the test flight day."

……

Two days later, on the tarmac of Yanliang Airport.

After three days of continuous modifications, the MA-60 second prototype and the H-6AIT icing water jet were parked not far away from each other.

The surrounding auxiliary vehicles have completed their work and are currently evacuating in an orderly manner.

For engineers from the 603 Institute and the 182 Factory, this is not the first time they have experienced natural icing test flights.

They went to Nanzheng two months ago to conduct a full-process test.

But this time, the test faced by both the aircraft and the pilots was significantly greater.

Lin Guofan originally wanted to go on the H-6AIT to operate the water sprinkler in person, but Zhu Lan strongly opposed it.

The two argued about this many times, and it ended with Professor Lin finding it difficult to fit into the narrow tail turret due to his stout figure.

Eventually one of his students volunteered to take on the task.

"Speaking of which, why can't the refueler's position in front of the tail turret be set up as a water spray operator? The space there is obviously larger and the visibility on both sides is better."

Looking at the two planes undergoing final preparations, Lin Guofan put his hands in his pockets and looked still regretful that he could not fly to the sky in person.

"Well... that position was originally a radio operator. Because the icing test process requires close cooperation between the two aircraft and the tower, we reset this position on the AIT model, so the only thing left for the controller is Past the tail gunner's position."

Chang Haonan shrugged and explained.

At this time, three Europeans who had already changed into aviation industry cotton coats also came over from a distance.

Similar to Colombo when he came to China for the first time, Valette was initially reluctant to wear these bloated clothes.

However, after experiencing the February morning in northern China, I decisively gave up my tough talk and took off my slim-fitting windbreaker.

"Lin, Chang, you two...don't you go up with us?"

Colombo looked at Chang Haonan and Lin Guofan, who were leaning to the side chatting with their hands folded and showing no intention of boarding the plane, and their already pale faces turned even paler.

"There's nothing we can do, we want to go up too."

Chang Haonan raised his sleeves and gestured to MA60 parked on the other side:

"But I have said before that according to the simulation results, the operating conditions of this test will reduce the lift of the aircraft by about 22%. Considering that some safety margin must be left, the aircraft can no longer accommodate the two of us. A man now."

What he said was clear and upright, and Colombo opened his mouth several times in a row, but he didn't think of how to answer.

At this time, the H-6AIT, which had completed preparations, had slowly started up with a huge roar, leaving the parking space and taxiing towards the take-off runway.

"Believe me, everything is calculated and there will be no problem."

Looking at Colombo with a colorful expression, Chang Haonan patted his shoulder and comforted him:

"Well, in order to express my blessings to you, I will personally take you to the plane."

"You gave this plane new wings?"

As the distance got closer, Colombo, who was very familiar with MA-60, quickly discovered the difference.

The large-aspect-ratio wing with winglets that provided a huge performance advantage was gone, replaced by a pair of ordinary looking wings.

"Of course, you don't think that an aircraft can fly in harsh climates that far exceed the lower limit of SLC conditions without paying any price, right?"

Chang Haonan replied in a matter-of-fact tone:

"Actually, this type of wing is customized for some customers who have special anti-icing needs. Under normal circumstances, such exaggerated performance is not needed at all. This time it is a coincidence that you can catch up with the opportunity. It’s rare.”

Chang Haonan deceives people without changing his face or heart.

"Is that so?"

Colombo took a look at Chang Haonan's calm expression, and finally chose to believe what he said:

The five people separated next to the aircraft ramp. Then Chang Haonan and Lin Guofan returned to the command center at the tower, while the other three boarded the aircraft and found a seat to sit down.

Lorenzo, who couldn't wait to observe the test, sat directly next to a Chinese engineer who was operating a computer. Since the aircraft's portholes would also be covered with frost during the icing test, he could only use the camera placed outside to view the test. Observe the condition of the wings from the nose direction.

As a cabin designer, Colombo, who is familiar with the cabin environment, sat in the front position, where the noise and vibration felt were relatively small.

Valette chose to sit with him.

As the two all-composite, low-noise four-blade propellers began to rotate, the No. 02 prototype gradually began to accelerate.

"The sound in the cabin is much quieter than the ATR72 I rode in before..."

Perhaps because of nervousness, Valette took the initiative to open the topic for the first time today.

"Of course, the cabin environment is the part that AgustaWestland is responsible for, and China has also redesigned the shape of the propeller blades to further reduce the intensity of the noise source..."

While Colombo was explaining to the French beauty beside him, everyone on the plane felt overweight for a moment——

The plane has taken off!