"Especially when our territorial waters are so large, such a voyage is really not enough."

"So, today, the superiors launched an inquiry about our project."

"The subject of the inquiry is whether this aircraft can be built, when it can be built, and whether it can exert its combat effectiveness."

"I think it's hard for everyone here, not just me, to answer this question."

"Because frankly, we don't know either."

"In a word, no one knows whether an aircraft will work without being tested in actual combat."

"So, I want to hear your opinions."

"No matter what kind of opinion you have, you can raise it. Even if you say you want to turn around now, stop engaging in STOVL, and focus on the optimization of J-20A, that's fine."

"Because we still have time."

After he finished speaking, the entire conference room fell silent.

No one spoke, but it was not because they were afraid of standing out, but because they were also confused at this moment.

When the J-20B branch project was launched as an additional part of the J-20 project, everyone actually voted, and almost everyone voted in favor.

The reasons are very complicated. In addition to strategically trying to gain important advantages in the stalemate stage against the F-35 project for which partial information was obtained at that time, there is another reason that everyone knows very well but is not convenient to explain clearly.

That is the pride of being an aircraft designer.

Everyone wants to do something new, and they all want to make a "Killer product" to completely throw off the Lockheed Martin who has been riding on their head, and then chase after the 601 Institute that has already built the J-22.

In essence, there is nothing wrong with this idea.

After all, scientific research is a process of exploration and trial and error.

The STOVL is not only for the aircraft itself, but also for the accumulation of technology produced in it, which will also provide a lot of assistance for future research and development work.

——

This is their original idea.

But now, they seem to suddenly realize that their thoughts may not be so right?

Does it really make sense for us to continue to do this even though the Americans have stopped doing it?

For a moment, sighs could be heard in the conference room.

After a long time, someone finally spoke:

"My suggestion is that the project has reached this stage and has made breakthrough progress, so we should continue to do what needs to be done."

"After all, if we withdraw at this time, all the resources invested in the early stage will be wasted."

“But will there really be any results if we keep doing it?”

Before he finished speaking, someone interrupted him directly.

"The result I'm talking about is not whether this aircraft can be built, but whether it will be useful after it is built."

"A combat radius of 300 kilometers. In fact, in the case of real full fuel and bombs, it may not even reach 200 kilometers."

"To really make a difference, you have to rely on tankers."

"It can take off by taxiing and land vertically."

"Then the meaning of this plane will be lost at least 80%!"

"Then what can we do? Do we really give up? Are you willing?"

"I'm not willing to give in. But I want to be sure again. Are Americans really serious?"

"They really don't want to work on the F-35B anymore?"

After hearing his words, Yang Wei shook his head slightly and replied:

"This information has not yet been 100% confirmed, but judging from various information, the possibility is still relatively high."

"Of course, we cannot rule out that they deliberately released false information to lure us to follow up."

"But in any case, I think we should not be influenced by them - we should seek truth from facts and have the final say on our own family matters!"

If Yang Wei's words were placed on other occasions, they would be extremely inspiring.

But unfortunately, everyone was in a bad mood at this time, so there were very few responses to him.

After another long period of silence, the voice sounded again from the corner of the conference room.

"I think there's nothing wrong with being realistic."

"We can't just look at the problem itself, we should take a long-term view and look at it in an extended way."

"For example, the question of whether STOVL fighter jets are useful. In fact, the core is the range. So, is there any way we can solve the range problem?"

"The answer is yes."

"Optimizing the engine, fuel tank, and aerodynamic layout can all lead to an increase in range."

"Should we think about how to solve it from these aspects?"

"But isn't the problem just that it can't be solved?"

Another voice interrupted him and asked in a depressed tone:

"How to do a variable cycle engine? The aerodynamic layout optimization has reached its limit, how can we still optimize it? The fuel tank. Unless there are new materials, there is no need to discuss it at all."

"We won't be able to solve these problems in a short period of time."

"My suggestion is to stop in time and reduce losses."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone who had their own thoughts all looked at Yang Wei, as if waiting for him to make the final decision.

Looking at their eyes, Yang Wei gritted his teeth and said:

"Today is just a discussion and no decisions will be made."

"However, since the discussion has reached this point, let's just talk about it."

"Xiao Zhang, go and call Chen Nian over and ask him for his opinion."

"Okay, Mr. Yang."

The assistant turned around and left the conference room. Yang Wei looked at his back expectantly, his expression gradually becoming calm.

If this path is really wrong, then let him decide life and death.

That young man. He is a ruthless man who can blaze new trails on his own.

If even he says no, forget it.

But, would he say that?

It seems that I have never heard the word "no" from his mouth.

A few minutes later, Chen Nian walked into the conference room.

And what he said left everyone stunned on the spot.

"I already understand the situation."

"Isn't it just a variable cycle engine? Here, the core technical principles are here, do you want to see it?"

"I also have technical documents here for conformal fuel tanks, spin-formed ceramic thin-walled fuel tanks, new over-the-horizon air-to-air missile PL-17, lightweight structural connection materials, and lightweight titanium-aluminum alloy TC4-2 materials."

"Together, these things should be enough for us to continue this project, right?"
Chapter completed!