150: A wingspan of 25 meters? You said this is an unmanned transport aircraft?
Chapter 150: A 25-Meter Wingspan? You're Telling Me This Is an Unmanned Transport Aircraft?
At an age nearing retirement, his uncle was unexpectedly promoted due to the sudden rise of Julong Steel, making him unique in Qinchuan.
"Prosperous Spring and Autumn? Those four characters are interesting," Lu Shenwei said with a smile.
Zhou Cun responded, "What time works for you?"
"We don't know what else might come up later, so tonight, tell the cafeteria to prepare a good meal. Invite Director Ma and Deputy Factory Director Wang to join us and celebrate."
Lu Shenwei thought for a moment, and Zhou Cun turned to make the arrangements.
That night, at the Julong Steel Factory canteen.
Maozi, roasted goose, braised duck with sauce, braised pork hock, and a large pig's head – a variety of delicious dishes filled the dining table.
"Director Zhou... no, District Chief Zhou, I'd like to propose a toast to you," Lu Shenwei said, raising his glass.
Zhou Wen stood up. "You're a good kid. My achievements today are all thanks to you and Julong Steel."
"How can you say that? If you hadn't specially approved our factory's bankruptcy and reorganization, we wouldn't be where we are today."
Lu Shenwei always remembered Zhou Wen's kindness, never forgetting the source of his success.
Zhou Wen downed his drink in one gulp. "I'd say it's also because you're a capable kid, and Old Ma and Old Wang were lucky to meet you."
Years ago, there were dozens of state-owned factories facing reform and bankruptcy, but in the end, only Julong Steel and Shanmao Tractor Factory survived, and they are thriving.
"Without your support, we wouldn't have come this far," Lu Shenwei said, accompanying him with another drink.
Ma Quanlin chuckled and raised his glass. "The District Chief is right. I, Old Ma, got incredibly lucky to meet Director Lu."
"And wasn't I, Old Wang, in the same boat? If you hadn't given me advice back then, our fellow workers at the old Shanmao Tractor Factory would probably be riding tricycles on the street right now," Wang Zizhong said, standing up to toast.
"There's no need for flattery. I've been watching the development of Julong Steel over the past few years. From originally only 211 workers to nearly 8,000 employees now, in terms of overall strength, it's at least among the top five in Qinchuan, and in terms of revenue generation, it's absolutely number one in Qinchuan."
"My identity has changed now, but my support for Julong Steel will never change."
Zhou Wen used his grand words as an excuse to drink, and Lu Shenwei and the others were not to be outdone, downing three bottles of baijiu in quick succession.
"I heard you're going to Beijing next month for some drone flight performance? How are the preparations going?" Zhou Wen asked, somewhat tipsy.
Just as Lu Shenwei was about to speak, Ma Quanlin interjected, "Don't worry, Director Lu has already prepared everything. There are three drone flight plans, guaranteed to impress everyone."
"I hear this event is organized by Crazy Rabbit. Don't let them underestimate the strength of our Qinchuan enterprises!" Zhou Wen cautioned.
Ma Quanlin chuckled as he stood up. "You don't know yet, do you? The Dragonhawk Drone Swarm performance team is just an appetizer. Our super large commercial unmanned aerial vehicle flight performance is the main event. Little Zhou, what was the name of our large drone again?"
"Double Bone Dragon Super Large Unmanned Transport Aircraft! Director Lu named it, have you forgotten?" Zhou Cun responded.
Ma Quanlin slapped his forehead and chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Getting old, my memory isn't what it used to be."
"Double Bone Dragon Super Large Unmanned Transport Aircraft? When did you come up with such a product?" Zhou Wen asked curiously.
Lu Shenwei took over the conversation. "Do you still remember when Nifeng Express frequently visited Qinchuan?"
"Commissioned for research and development by Nifeng Express?"
"Yes, they invested nearly 1 billion in funds, but it was indeed technically challenging. The research and development alone took us a year and a half, and the prototype was only completed a month ago," Lu Shenwei mused.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Wen immediately became interested and pressed for technical parameters.
Lu Shenwei naturally held nothing back. "The Double Bone Dragon Super Large Unmanned Transport Aircraft has a wingspan of 25 meters, a length of 13 meters, a height of 3.6 meters, a maximum flight time of 35 hours, and a service ceiling of 30,000 meters, allowing for stratospheric flight."
"Stratospheric flight? Is it necessary to go that high just to deliver goods?" Zhou Wen muttered.
Lu Shenwei explained, "High-altitude routes have less interference and less wind resistance. Our model is a high-speed unmanned transport aircraft, and it's not afraid of solar radiation in the stratosphere, so raising the flight altitude even more is not a problem."
Zhou Wen said, somewhat bewildered, "Is that how it works?"
"Don't interrupt, let me finish."
The Double Bone Dragon Super Large Unmanned Transport Aircraft is equipped with the world's first dual-engine large high-end unmanned aircraft system, featuring a high aspect ratio, twin tail booms, and a ' twenty-style' aerodynamic layout design.
It is configured with two 500T thrust integrated solid high-power engines, and two aerial base stations are mounted beneath the fuselage to ensure 24-hour satellite signal reception.
"You're saying so much, but I don't quite understand. Just tell me how much cargo it can carry on a single trip," Zhou Wen asked.
Lu Shenwei said seriously, "It has an empty weight of 1.3 tons and a maximum takeoff weight of 5.8 tons."
What? Empty weight 1.3 tons, takeoff weight 5.8 tons?
"So, the cargo hold can carry 4.5 tons of goods?"
"Roughly. During our load tests, the limit was 6 tons, but takeoff was difficult."
Lu Shenwei thought for a moment, and Zhou Wen said in surprise, "This unmanned transport aircraft of yours has a higher carrying capacity than a regular box truck. How much do you plan to sell one for?"
"We haven't decided yet. Let's see how many orders Mr. Wang can give us, since they commissioned the research and development."
"That's true, but you also need to consider that there's significant market demand for unmanned transport aircraft in our Dragon Xia."
Lu Shenwei nodded, raised his glass, and toasted Zhou Wen again, wishing him further advancement.
"Further advancement might be a bit difficult now, given my age. I can't compete with those young people in the provincial capital."
Zhou Wen drained his glass, and Lu Shenwei smiled, "Don't Round Table Leaders in the Province have a chance to break through age limits?"
"I wouldn't dare to imagine that. That requires a top talent with both strength and luck," Zhou Wen said with a wry smile.
"One must have dreams. Our factory is still waiting for you to get promoted and give us another boost."
Lu Shenwei said with a chuckle, and Zhou Wen joked, "Then let's work hard together and see if you can push me up."
"It's a deal!"
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Zhou Wen was eventually helped home by Zhou Cun, while Lu Shenwei was full of thoughts about how to set the price.
The next day, at the Julong Steel Factory conference room.
"The issue District Chief Zhou mentioned yesterday is worth our attention. Today, let's discuss the pricing," Lu Shenwei said, looking around at everyone.
Ma Quanlin was the first to speak. "I'll start. In any case, it can't be lower than the manufacturing cost."
"Old Ma, isn't that obvious? Who would sell at a loss?" Wang Zizhong rolled his eyes at him.
Zhou Cun said in a low voice, "The research and development cost exceeded 500 million, and the prototype production cost 7.63 million. If we mass-produce later, the cost could be reduced to under 3 million."
"How about pricing it at 4 million?" Ma Quanlin suggested.
"4 million? That's too low. It should be priced at least 4.5 million," Wang Zizhong mused.
Lu Shenwei thought for a moment. "Let's not go with 4.5 million. Let's make it 5 million. It sounds better."
After a brief discussion, they finally determined the price of the Double Bone Dragon Super Large Unmanned Transport Aircraft, which would become famous nationwide a few months later.
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