bookrandom Chapter 533: Domestic Transport Aircraft and the Private Aviation Industry
Chapter 533: Domestic Transport Aircraft and the Private Aviation Industry
As dozens of iconic C-47 transport planes formed several neat formations and flew steadily by, an aircraft with a completely different appearance came into people's sight and caught the attention of General Marshall on the viewing stand.
"Bicopters? Single-engine?" Marshall narrowed his eyes slightly and looked carefully at the newly appeared team of aircraft.
They have the characteristics of old biplanes, but the fuselage lines and engine covers appear quite regular and modern, and the flying posture is stable and flexible.
"What model is this? I've never seen it in Allied forces before."
This is the "Kunpeng A" light transport aircraft designed and produced by the Nanhua Myitkyina Aircraft Manufacturing Plant under the guidance of the core design ideas provided by Zhang Chi.
Its design blueprint is exactly the Yun-5 (pictured), which was of outstanding achievements in later generations and was in Zhang Chi's memory.
The Kunpeng A has a wide double-layer wing, which provides it with excellent low-speed stability and amazing short-range takeoff and landing capabilities.
Its heart is a Nanyang-produced R-1830 "Twin Wasp" radial engine (the same model as the C-47 and DC-3), which has mature and reliable technology.
The fuselage, painted in jungle green camouflage, mostly adopts a lightweight design of fir frame + cloth covering. Only the key engine compartment and wing beam parts are made of aluminum alloy, which minimizes the cost and manufacturing difficulty while ensuring the necessary strength.
The maximum level flight speed is 300km/h, the maximum range is 950KM, the maximum passenger capacity is 10 people (including 2 pilots), and the maximum cargo weight is 1.8 tons.
Its transport capacity naturally cannot be compared with the huge DC-3 and C-47, but it also has a huge advantage. The take-off distance is only 150M, and it is not picky about runways. It can take off and land on any flat open space.
Because the terrain of Nanyang is too fragmented, there are rivers and streams everywhere during the flood season, making ground transportation difficult. Therefore, Zhang Chi specifically requested the mass production of this fuel-efficient and easy-to-drive light transport aircraft.
It is positioned as a pickup truck that flies in the sky. It is durable and cheap, and can be used to transport people and goods.
Only the engine compartment and wing beams are made of aluminum alloy, and the rest of the parts are made of fir + fabric covered fuselage. The current production cost is only 11 Nanyang dollars (2.2 US dollars). Zhang Chi expects that after large-scale mass production, the price can be reduced to 7.5 Nanyang dollars.
At such a low price, any small business with a little capital can buy one, which is very convenient for spreading pesticides, transporting people, or transporting goods.
At this time, standing next to Zhang Chi was the Nanyang Chinese leader and industrial tycoon Chen Lao Da.
He looked at the Kunpeng Type A flying flexibly in the sky, his eyes flashing.
Taking advantage of the break in the aerial performance, he slightly turned sideways and whispered to Zhang Chi:
"Your Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief." He paused, his voice lowered, carrying the eagerness of a businessman. "A few of my old buddies and I have been thinking about how transportation will be a major problem after the war. There are so many islands in the South Seas, and inland transportation is difficult, especially during the rainy season.
We're looking to establish a private airline, starting with short-haul passenger flights within the Malay Peninsula. Could you please get a few retired C-47s from the military and convert them into passenger planes?
Zhang Chi smiled when he heard this.
This is exactly the direction he wants to push.
He pointed at the Kunpeng A-class aircraft formation making graceful turns in the sky and said, "Boss Chen, you need to take a long-term view. The C-47 is good, but it consumes a lot of fuel, is complex to maintain, and has high requirements for airfields. Look at this 'Kunpeng'; it's the weapon truly suited to our 'capillaries' of the South China Sea."
Then he began to introduce them like he was listing them all.
Boss Chen's eyes lit up when he heard this, especially when he heard the words "completely self-produced" and "low cost", his breathing became a little faster.
He seemed to see countless "skybus" routes connecting towns, villages and islands in Nanyang!
"Great, great, Commander-in-Chief. This 'Kunpeng' is practically tailor-made for us in Nanyang. Give me 40, no, 50. I'll immediately have my people go to the Myitkyina factory to sign the contract. When the time comes, we'll use it to launch the first flight over the Malay Peninsula."
Zhang Chi laughed heartily and shook Mr. Chen's hand vigorously. "Well, Mr. Chen, you're very courageous. The future of Nanyang's aviation industry cannot rely solely on government. It needs the grassroots forces like you to show your strength."
After thinking about it, he decided to directly bring over the ideas of later generations, lowering his voice and smiling mysteriously:
"The aviation industry requires careful planning. I suggest you develop a two-pronged approach. One is to develop a budget airline, focusing on safety, punctuality, and affordability. Using the Kunpeng aircraft for short-haul flights, you can achieve low profits but high sales, making air travel affordable for ordinary people. The other is to develop a differentiated luxury airline."
"Luxury aviation?" Boss Chen asked curiously.
"Yes." Zhang Chi's thoughts seemed to fly to the future for several decades. "Think about it, in the future there will be bigger and faster planes, and crossing continents and oceans will be no problem. At that time, your airline will choose the most beautiful girls in Southeast Asia as flight attendants, with graceful manners and attentive service.
In-flight meals are prepared by top chefs, offering a choice of Southeast Asian and Western cuisine. The seats are spacious and comfortable, and the entertainment facilities are comprehensive... making passengers feel like they're not just riding a vehicle, but rather enjoying a journey through the clouds.
What Zhang Chi was talking about was an airline from a wealthy desert country in the future. Their transoceanic airline first-class service was top-notch, and was known as a five-star hotel in the sky.
Boss Chen was stunned at first, but then he suddenly understood. When he talked about the beautiful stewardess, a smile of understanding appeared on his face, which showed that he was also a man.
"Hahaha, great! Great idea, Commander-in-Chief. This kind of luxurious enjoyment is what the wealthy businessmen, dignitaries, and high-ranking officials value most. This business is doable."
The two looked at each other and laughed, as if they had already seen the prosperous air network connecting the world woven by Nanyang Airlines in the future.
The "Kunpeng" aircraft group with unique South China Sea characteristics in the sky caught the eyes of Marshall and Ivanov without missing a single detail.
The surprise in Marshall's eyes was gradually replaced by thought.
Nanyang definitely needs aircraft, as this represents a huge market and industrial development opportunity.
Marshall quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. The aviation giant of White Eagle might not be interested in such a small aircraft, but the market and future potential of Nanyang were worth investing in.
Maybe... we can promote technical cooperation or parts supply?
This can both make money and deepen influence.
He looked at Zhang Chi's profile as he was chatting and laughing, and confirmed in his heart again that this person had a long-term vision, was pragmatic and flexible, and was a key role that must be won over or at least retained.