Chapter 892: Seizing the Early Warning Aircraft Market
In addition to radar in the traditional sense, the broader application scenario of optically controlled phased array antennas seems to be electronic reconnaissance equipment.
Of course it can also be said to be passive radar -
The antenna is not only used to transmit signals.
Can also be used to receive signals.
In order to adapt to different signal frequency bands, traditional electronic reconnaissance equipment is usually surrounded by antennas of various styles and sizes.
So, the appearance of electronic warfare units is often more...
Abstract.
This is especially true for electronic warfare aircraft where space is tight.
If only the sides, back and belly protrude, it would already be relatively elegant.
Of course, for military models, being ugly is not a problem.
The problem is that after paying a huge price in terms of appearance, there are still trade-offs to be made in terms of performance.
Unless the carrier platform is really large, it will be difficult to cover all commonly used signal frequency bands given the limited size and weight.
But if two or even several antennas can be integrated together, it will obviously be a huge benefit for electronic warfare aircraft.
……
However, the ecstasy was short-lived after all.
A new technology, especially such a disruptive new technology, often has difficulties in the process from theory to implementation.
After all, Chang Haonan and Wang Xiaomo were both engineers, so they quickly began to consider more specific practical issues.
After thinking for a while, the latter first spoke:
“In order to implement this multi-band radar, although antennas with large bandwidth operating characteristics are the key technology, other aspects, such as transmitting/ Receiver design, as well as target recognition algorithms when multiple bands work together, will also take time to develop. ”
"So I think the first thing to do now is to build a principle prototype and go through the whole process."
"The principle prototype must be built, but the problem is not just technical... ”
Chang Haonan also added:
“The optical switch I mentioned at the beginning, whether it is fiber Bragg reflection grating, fiber dispersion prism, spatial light modulator and controllable reflector , are all highly precise optical components, which either cannot be produced in China at all, or the yield rate of domestic production is very low, which cannot meet the requirements of industrialization..."
"Actually, don't talk about these, it is the most basic. Optical fiber, at best, can only be regarded as solving the problem of localization on paper, and the actual application is still mainly imported models.”
His team has just begun to produce engineering prototypes of ultrashort pulse lasers, and is naturally familiar with the conditions of these optical or optoelectronic components.
Pulse laser processing equipment can barely be regarded as scientific research equipment, and in fact it is only semi-photoelectric. Most of the consumables are still mainly electrical components. It is not a big problem to just use imported optical fibers.
But no matter how whitewashed the early warning aircraft and search radar are, they are still purely military equipment.
Even if the Europeans use the spirit of capitalists to sell slings and export with their eyes closed, the People's Liberation Army may not dare to rely entirely on Western models for such a core component.
Moreover, although the two have been using the 346 radar as an example, in April 2001, the basic version of the 346 has basically completed the national qualification test, including its carrier 052C, which is also close to design. Finalizing, the power system is currently the same as the 052B that has already started construction, using imported UGT25000.
With two models of such high perfection, the current military struggle situation is not optimistic. It is impossible to stop and wait just because there is a hint of new technology.
In other words, at the shipboard radar level, the concept of this optically controlled phased array, optimistically speaking, will have to wait until the next improvement of the 346, and may even wait until the second improvement in the future. type can be used.
Therefore, we must find an additional opportunity to conduct a round of technical verification.
“What if we make an export model?”
Chang Haonan’s ideas become more and more wild:
"Let's take it step by step. Let's put aside the multi-band issue first. The entire small T-type antenna phased array radar is based on its 150° wide field of view and lightweight and low cost. Moreover, it is not for our own use anyway. The core element is It’s not that important whether the device is domestically produced. Maybe foreign users have their own import channels.”
“Compared with simply focusing on technical verification and research and development, this is at least more profitable and can be followed by domestic manufacturers. Or the research institute can be more motivated to make local substitutions. "
As long as technology reaches the stage of making money, it can actually be easily recycled later.
If you are afraid that you will only see the input but not the output, then even if the state allocates support, you have to weigh it first.
Moreover, if an industry only relies on state funding for development, it is difficult to say what prospects it has.
Therefore, Chang Haonan's usual path since his rebirth can be summed up as "first opening up the general industrial cycle through key technologies or models, and then going back to gradually improve the overall domestic level."
This time is no exception.
"Small early warning aircraft..."
Wang Xiaomo touched his chin, which had turned white with stubble:
"What about the aircraft platform?"
Logically speaking, this should be Chang Haonan's most professional field.
However, he waved his hand nonchalantly: "It's not important."
"Since the goal is to generate income through exports, let's talk about business."< br>
Facing Wang Xiaomo’s questioning gaze, Chang Haonan continued to explain:
"What we export is not an early warning aircraft, but a separate airborne early warning and control system."
"Of course, if the user is willing to use it, then we can also provide the MA60 or the complete C808 platform Solution. ”
“But if users want to be more common between aircraft and civil aviation to reduce logistical pressure, then we are not exclusive from cooperating with other manufacturers and moving our early warning system to other people’s models. It can go up, such as Airbus A320, or regional airliners, or even slightly larger business jets.”
The optically controlled phased array has another small advantage, which is the physical size of the radar. Not too sensitive.
This means that a model echelon of difficult size can be built at a relatively low cost.
Of course, as mentioned before, for an aircraft that is too large, the advantages of wide field of view and lightweight are not obvious, and Chang Haonan is not ready to take advantage of multi-band for the time being.
So, the upper limit should be about 200 for the Air Police.
As for the model for personal use...
It is better to run quickly with small steps first.
I am afraid that the Air Police 2000 carried by the C909 aircraft, like the 346, will not be able to tolerate this latest technology.
"Airborne early warning and control system..."
Wang Xiaomo's eyes suddenly changed:
"It's like Sweden's Erie Eye, and... David's Felcon That way?”
Felcon of the Kingdom of David
Although the ring project finally got the advance payment back, the IL-76 was also incorporated after the equipment was removed. Transport aircraft units serve.
However, David's country blatantly breached the contract at a critical moment, and also brought personnel from other countries to have close contact with Chinese equipment without permission.
This matter is not so easy to uncover.
I remember every stroke in my little notebook.
The reason why there has been no action is because there was really no way to directly cause any trouble to the opponent before.
But now...
Falcon is actually a model focused on the international market.
There are also model echelons of different sizes.
It also mainly sells equipment, not complete machines...
This is a legitimate competitive product.
So, if we can defeat Falcon in the arms sales market...
Although it is difficult to say that it will have any traumatic impact on the Kingdom of David.
But at least it's an opportunity to vent your anger.
As for Eriyan...
I can only say sorry.
“In this case, we may also need a loud name.”
Wang Xiaomo said:
"It's best to have puns in both Chinese and English."
"I've already thought about this."
Chang Haonan looked at the computer screen. An essay:
“It’s called ‘Gao Ming’.”
"Huh?"
Wang Xiaomo couldn't understand the reason for choosing this name for a while:
"Why?"
"Gao Ming is the clairvoyant and early warning in Fengshen Yanyi The function of the command system is adequate."
Chang Haonan replied:
"In addition, it can be translated directly into English based on the literal meaning."
"Literal meaning... highlight?"
A pleasant smile appeared on the corner of Chang Haonan's mouth:
"No Wrong, highlight..."
(End of this chapter)