Chapter 485

Chapter 485: Pow! Pow! Pow!

“Don’t worry! Our National Defense Star will definitely grow to be a big company that stands on equal footing with Shenyang and Chengdu. One day, we will make companies like Sukhoi, Dassault, and Lockheed Martin look up to us!”

Chen Haiqing’s words sounded rather childlike. He was skilled at discussing flying fighter jets, but when it came to building them, his knowledge wasn’t enough to join the conversation between Qiu Zhengjun and Lin Mo.

As he listened to the two toss around complicated professional terms, he felt like a bystander, completely lost with only a vague understanding.

What Qiu and the engineers at Shenyang didn’t realize was that Lin Mo’s “monstrous” project was progressing so well that it would make the huge Shenyang Corporation feel ashamed. Lin Mo had even managed to acquire the most sophisticated engine within China’s vast territory of 9.6 million square kilometers, something even the big players like Chengdu and Shenyang envied and longed for.

With the strength of one person surpassing that of a whole team and a massive financial investment, it seemed unimaginable to the seasoned professionals in the aviation industry that one person could complete most of a fighter jet.

With almost no external contacts, the secrecy level of the “monstrous” assembly process far exceeded that of other advanced fighter jets still in the design phase. In the minds of many experts in the Chinese aviation industry, “monstrous” was merely a fighter jet that existed only in fantasy. Only when it flew into the sky would everyone be taken by surprise.

Even National Defense Star held this opinion: despite Lin Mo already assembling the main structure and filling it with a substantial amount of equipment, he remained their prized asset. They even tied him tightly to the same chariot with shares, and any attempt to probe into his project would draw National Defense Star’s attention.

Qiu Zhengjun wasn’t worried about Chen Haiqing’s hypersensitivity. There was still a considerable collaboration between Shenyang and National Defense Star.

“Hey! ‘Dragon Knight,’ it’s almost your turn! Prepare in fifteen minutes!”

A National Defense Star staff member raised his hand and pointed at his wristwatch, shouting. In public, hardly anyone called Lin Mo by his name; even those who knew him referred to him by his code name, and the identification badge was only shown upon entry before being properly stored.

“Hey! ‘Dragon Knight,’ get ready! It’s your turn!”

Chen Haiqing noticed the staff in charge of the flying display were making final preparations. This was Lin Mo’s stage. The gap between their skills was widening, and given Lin Mo’s impressive abilities, Chen Haiqing no longer felt confident about competing alongside him.

Engineer Qiu Zhengjun patted Lin Mo on the shoulder, giving him an encouraging nudge. “Last time, you made Chengdu feel overwhelmed. This time, our J-11 orders depend on you, ‘Dragon Knight’! Not just National Defense Star, but our Shenyang employees are waiting for you to take action.”

Every fighter jet manufacturer in the country faced severe capacity shortages, leading to supply not meeting demand. Finding and cultivating OEM manufacturers had become a focus for Shenyang, resulting in cooperation with National Defense Star.

Profits were shared, and Shenyang received authorized production fees. For new manufacturers like National Defense Star, this meant survival profits and technical support from the big players, achieving mutual benefits and growth.

“Come on, don’t put too much pressure on me! My little body can’t handle it.”

Lin Mo shook his head after Qiu’s strong pat. He felt like a hero saving the domestic aviation industry, but he couldn’t accept such praise. It was a bit dramatic how he had suddenly become the spokesperson for fighter jet manufacturers in the country.

Despite National Defense Star drawing much attention from exhibitors at the Zhuhai Airshow, Chengdu didn’t feel jealous. “We all eat, that’s what matters in Aviation Industry of China.”

“By the way, what kind of performance are you planning to showcase? Are you going around those columns?” Qiu pointed toward the model demonstration area, still filled with residual smoke.

Only seven of the eight towering columns were left, all thanks to some damage from the Indians. What reason could they have to crash into them?

“Secrets, secrets!”

Chen Haiqing shook his head, acting as if it were a state secret.

“You…” Qiu shot Chen Haiqing an eye, knowing he was intentionally being vague, likely out of frustration over Qiu’s earlier attempts to probe into the alloy formulas.

“Don’t worry, Qiu. No spoilers! Just wait for me to take the stage. Thankfully, I’ve practiced with the Russians’ Su-27; I’ve already thought of a maneuver set. Just wait and see.”

Lin Mo returned to the changing tent behind the exhibition area to don his “Dragon General” land and air dual-use tactical armor.

When the sleek black “Dragon General” appeared on stage, the National Defense Star exhibition area was filled with clients eager for discussions. Upon seeing Lin Mo in his tactical armor, their eyes widened in astonishment, leading to gasps of admiration.

Was this a new aerospace manufacturer they had never heard of? Was a lurking giant finally surfacing?

This level of power could rival even Lockheed Martin. Su-30, MiG, General Dynamics, Sweden’s Saab, France’s Dassault, and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company had never seen gear like this.

“That Chinese guy is showing off again.”

Nearby exhibitors who had witnessed the armored tactical suit were seething with envy. Why wear land combat gear into the air? That was overkill.

This made their five-capsule pressure suits look weak. Those pilots would surely make a fuss about wanting one too. Where could they possibly get such a bizarre item?

No one could see the pilot’s face; the tactical helmet looked remarkably sci-fi, with the pupils glowing faintly, resembling a robot or a star soldier.

When did the Chinese develop such technology? Were their products not typically lacking in industrial design? This was truly impressive!

The commotion caused by the “Dragon General” was not any less than the one created during the J-14 “Eagle Falcon” showcase.

“I want ten sets! No, a hundred sets!” The bold Arab prince directly handed a blank check to Lin Mo, realizing the equipment’s application elsewhere—oh, how grand it would be for his own bodyguards!

Lin Mo stared at the blank check, utterly speechless. The man was selling skills, not his body.

Did this guy even understand where he was? He should be turning left to walk toward National Defense Star’s sales consultant instead.

Henghai Defense’s young people were unfortunate; they had missed a chance to snag an order. Why? Because it was an aerospace exhibition, not a broad military gear expo.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the security teams from China and France, a path was finally opened for Lin Mo. Facing the surge of clients, they dared not shout at them. These were wealthy and influential military figures; even the smallest countries couldn’t afford to offend them.

The J-11 still retained its short takeoff capability with the distinctive National Defense Star logo painted on its wings. The Chinese Air Force, accustomed to defensive counterattack tactics, excelled in such designs, continuing the traditional close-quarter combat style of pilots.

Despite the fighter jet design philosophy, this didn’t mean air-to-air missiles were weakened. New domestic air-to-air missiles had the potential to surpass those from America.

“We finally unveil the flying performance of National Defense Star Aerospace Company (NDS). They only have one fighter jet in the air, a variant of Sukhoi’s Su-27 but tailored for China, with combat capabilities similar to the Su-30. However, it is an air superiority model, showcasing their elite strategy as a new aerospace manufacturer. I believe one of their planes can take down a group!” The TV host on site didn’t forget to glorify National Defense Star.

Not only had their pilot triumphed against the Japanese, but viewers also felt a sense of admiration, likely encouraged by a big bonus discreetly bestowed upon them by National Defense Star.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, a single plane leaped into action, showcasing Europe’s most advanced missiles, proving the pilot’s excellence. The idea of defending against a “bunch of rookies” seemed plausible, as one who could orchestrate chaos wasn’t a foolish veteran easily defeated.

The hosts and guests who received bonuses naturally worked hard to boost National Defense Star’s reputation, as it only added to their own. Praise flowed endlessly, like the waters of the Yangtze River.

The truth was, National Defense Star could afford the bonuses but could not maintain a flying display team. The costs of personnel, training, and operations would turn the faces of their executives greener than lawns. Did they not see the directors still personally involved while Young Master Chen was merely a backup?

Suddenly, all the speakers at the J-11 airport of National Defense Star erupted at once, startling everyone. They perked up their ears as elegant, light, and cheerful music floated through the air.

Waltz? Also known as a round dance, the basic step of the waltz involves a step for every beat danced to three beats in a measure. While there are specific steps dancing two or four beats per measure, it highlights ease of movement and grace, quickly becoming a favored way for people (especially the French) to enjoy themselves.

While it’s not guaranteed that most Chinese people know how to waltz, they are definitely familiar with the rhythm of “pow! pow! pow!”

The audience was amused. This flying performance even came with accompaniment? How refreshing!