Chapter 184 Mission To C-17!
Sun Jian shook his head slightly and said, "The first flight was successful two years ago, and now we have started small-scale production, but there are still many areas for improvement and refinement. It may take continuous effort and perfection over the next ten years."
Chen Li was secretly startled and asked, "And the continuous improvement and perfection of the last ten years?"
Sun Jian replied, "It is indeed not an easy task to create an excellent large military transport aircraft. It requires the continuous efforts of one generation, or even two or three generations."
Chen Li looked at Sun Jian in admiration and thought to himself, "This tenacious and persistent spirit is admirable."
Chen Li then asked Sun Jian, "Old Sun, after our large military transport aircraft has been improved and perfected, how does it compare with the M country's C-17 transport aircraft?"
eaglesnovɐ1,сoМ Sun Jian sighed softly and replied, "Our foundation is too weak, and our technology accumulation is not enough. It is not easy to produce this large military transport aircraft. Compared with the C-17 of country M, it still has a relatively large technology gap."
Chen Li was slightly surprised by Sun Jian's response. He had assumed that the technology gap was not substantial and suggested, "Since country M has such great technology in large military transport aircraft, it would be great if we could learn from their technology."
Sun Jian explained, "This is basically impossible, and there is almost nothing we can learn from." He said, "I often think, if I can get a C-17 transport plane from the M country, it would be great, disassemble it, and study it carefully, but this is just wishful thinking."
Sun Jian shook his head and smiled wryly, saying, "Don't talk about building a C-17 transport plane to disassemble for research, I'm satisfied even if I can board the C-17 transport plane for a visit."
Chen Li fell silent, realising that building an excellent sizeable military transport aircraft was challenging. Even the possibility of learning from a more advanced counterpart seemed unlikely.
In Universal Corporation......….
Liu Yong sat in the boss chair, sipping his coffee and contemplating the logistics of salvaging the C-17 military transport plane that the Bawang had transported to the shallow sea.
With a water depth of only a little over 100 meters, Liu Yong considered the salvage operation a relatively simple task. He pondered whether to temporarily store the plane under his care or hand it to the military.
As he was lost in thought, He Qiang, who had been assigned as Liu Yong's bodyguard and driver, knocked on the door and informed him that the car he had requested was ready to go whenever he was.
After nodding in response, Liu Yong announced to He Qiang his plan to visit Chen Li, who had called earlier to inform him that the award certificate issued by the military was ready for collection.
Recalling his previous award from the security department of Huahai City, Liu Yong had reported the matter to the military and was now being recognised for his contributions.
He travelled to Chen Li's to receive his certificate in person. Kang Zhenggang drove the Big G, and Liu Yong set out for his destination with He Qiang as the co-pilot.
At the office, Chen Li eagerly awaited the arrival of Liu Yong and even prepared hot tea in anticipation of his arrival.
The two greeted each other politely and exchanged pleasantries.
Chen Li wasted no time presenting the general's award certificate to Liu Yong and commended him for his outstanding accomplishments.
The two settled on the comfortable sofa and engaged in a relaxed conversation. Having known each other for some time, they had a lot to talk about.
Soon, Chen Li brought up his visit to a domestic aircraft factory he had made a few days ago.
He shared his relief upon seeing the new large-scale military transport aircraft manufactured in China. He gave a detailed introduction to the plane but sighed softly, "Well, we have only taken the first step in the Long March. It may take another twenty or thirty years to catch up with country M."
At the mention of the large military transport aircraft, Liu Yong's curiosity was piqued. He inquired, "If we were to obtain a C-17 military transport plane from country M, could it narrow the technological gap between our countries?"
Chen Li responded positively, "Of course, with a C-17 military transport aircraft, we can use it as a reference for research and development. It could help us avoid many pitfalls and inspire us with new technological ideas. It would be of great help to us."
However, Chen Li quickly dismissed the possibility of acquiring a C-17 transport plane as mere wishful thinking.
He knew it was unlikely that. Country M would be willing to sell it to them. But then Liu Yong revealed that they might have found a crashed C-17 transport plane in the sea, which was still well-preserved.
The news took Chen Li aback. He couldn't believe it. "Don't be ridiculous," he said, "there is no record of a C-17 transport plane crashing."
But Liu Yong was convinced it was a C-17 transport plane, and the crash might have yet to be announced publicly.
He described the plane's situation and approximate location and promised to return photos soon.
Chen Li was sceptical, but his curiosity was piqued. "If it is really a C-17 military transport plane," he said, "you will have made great achievements!"
After leaving Chen Li's office, Liu Yong's thoughts were consumed with capturing some photographs.
With the water depth being more than 100 meters, he believed it would be a simple task. However, the challenge lay in the shallow sea where the plane was located in the East China Sea, approximately five to six hundred nautical miles from Huahai City.
If he travelled by yacht, it would take him at least a day and a night to reach his destination.
Despite the distance and time constraints, an idea suddenly sparked in Liu Yong's mind - what if he swam there himself?
Without hesitating, he decided to give it a try.
Considering that the Bawang, weighing over 100 tons, could reach a swimming speed of more than 200 nautical miles, Liu Yong couldn't help but wonder how quickly he could get there independently.
With his mind made up, Liu Yong discarded the idea of driving a yacht and instead chose to swim to his destination. He began preparing for the journey ahead of him.
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