171: Chapter 171 Sword Pointing at C919 (Part 2)

Zhang Kai listened intently from the side, nodding from time to time. Once Li Lei finished speaking, he immediately responded:

"Mr. Li, our laboratory already has preliminary solutions for the two issues you mentioned. There's no problem at all."

"Regarding the avionics system, we can upgrade and optimize based on the ARJ21's system to create a dedicated integrated avionics system for the C919. We'll assemble a specialized R&D team to work overtime and ensure the localization of core technologies within six months, completely ending our reliance on imported components."

"As for the mass production process of lightweight composite materials, our lab already has a mature technical reserve. By collaborating with COMAC's production lines, we can complete process debugging within three months and achieve large-scale production. This will not only reduce production costs but also improve efficiency, fully meeting the mass production needs of the C919."

Zhang Kai spoke with confidence. With the powerful technical strength of Tianxing Laboratory as his backing, his self-assurance was quite high.

"That's wonderful!"

Wang Hao said with a face full of smiles:

"With these clear plans, our R&D progress for the C919 can be advanced by at least a year! Mr. Zhang, thank you so much!"

Wang Hao then added:

"In addition, regarding the subsequent upgrades of the ARJ21, we also have an idea. We hope to launch an improved model with you to optimize range and passenger capacity, adapting it for more routes—such as the high-altitude routes in the west and branch lines in remote areas. At the same time, we want to expand into international markets, letting the ARJ21 go abroad and show the world the planes built by our Dragon Country!"

Zhang Kai replied with a smile:

"Chairman Wang, that's an excellent idea!"

The subsequent upgrades of the ARJ21 are something we can certainly cooperate on. We'll have the technical teams from the laboratory and COMAC interface directly to come up with a specific upgrade plan as soon as possible, striving to launch the improved model and expand into more markets early on."

"As for the international market, rest assured. Our Tianxing Group has extensive overseas resources. We can leverage these to promote the international airworthiness certification of the ARJ21, aiming to obtain certificates from European and American countries, break the market monopoly of foreign regional jets, and secure a place for the ARJ21 in the international market."

Over the next two hours, the two parties engaged in detailed discussions regarding the specifics of their cooperation—from the division of R&D tasks and timelines to capital investment and technical interfacing, every aspect was discussed in great detail.

While listening carefully to COMAC's needs, Zhang Kai responded promptly and would occasionally call Zhou Ming at the laboratory to confirm technical details, ensuring that every promise could be fulfilled.

Finally, the two sides officially signed the "ARJ21 Subsequent Upgrade and C919 Joint R&D Cooperation Agreement." At the moment of signing, thunderous applause erupted in the meeting room as both parties shook hands.

This marked the official entry of Dragon Country's large aircraft strategy into the critical stage of trunk-line airliner development. It also meant that Dragon Country's aviation industry had taken another solid step toward the goal of independent control.

Meanwhile, at the manor, Chen Mo was leaning back in a rattan chair on the terrace, holding a cup of light tea and soaking in the warm sun.

He didn't pay attention to the details of the meeting because he trusted Zhang Kai's ability and the strength of Tianxing Laboratory and COMAC. Since he had handed the matter over to Zhang Kai, he wouldn't interfere too much; at this moment, he just wanted to enjoy life.

The news of the cooperation agreement was announced almost immediately, and netizens were excited and proud:

"This is awesome! Right after getting the airworthiness certificate for the ARJ21, they immediately signed for the C919 joint R&D. Tianxing and COMAC are striking while the iron is hot. Dragon Country's large aircraft are just around the corner!"

"The C919! It's finally being fully pushed forward! A 150-seat trunk-line airliner—we'll finally be able to fly on our own large planes for domestic long-haul routes. We won't have to worry about Boeing or Airbus anymore!"

"Tianxing Laboratory is indeed reliable! The core technology of the ARJ21 was already impressive, and now they're going to tackle the challenges of the C919. They're going to fully master core aviation technology. Kudos to Tianxing!"

"I was worried before that the core technology for the C919 wasn't up to par, but now that Tianxing Laboratory has joined, I'm completely at ease. Avionics and composite materials are Tianxing's strengths. I believe they can handle it!"

"Dragon Country's aviation industry has risen! From the ARJ21 regional jet to the C919 trunk-line airliner, step by step, breaking foreign monopolies. This is the strength of Dragon Country. So proud!"

"Looking forward to the C919's first flight and certification soon. I'll definitely take the first flight to experience our own large trunk-line plane. Go researchers, Tianxing, and COMAC!"

"Those foreign aviation giants must be panicking now, right? They used to monopolize the global trunk-line airliner market, but now Dragon Country is rising. Once the C919 succeeds, it will definitely seize their market share!"

"Kudos to President Chen! Quietly laying the groundwork and exerting effort without seeking credit or being flashy, yet making such a huge contribution to Dragon Country's technology. This kind of entrepreneur is the true backbone of the nation!"

Meanwhile, the news of the ARJ21's certification and the joint R&D of the C919 by Tianxing and COMAC reached the international aviation sector, drawing high attention and even causing some panic among international aviation giants like Boeing and Airbus.

Boeing held an emergency internal meeting, and the person in charge said with a grave expression:

"The smooth certification of Dragon Country's ARJ21 means they have mastered the core technology of jet regional airliners. Now, they are collaborating with Tianxing Laboratory to advance the R&D of the C919 trunk-line airliner. Once the C919 is successful, it will directly impact our share of the global trunk-line airliner market, especially in Dragon Country's domestic market. We must be highly vigilant."

"Indeed, the technical strength of Tianxing Laboratory cannot be underestimated. Their breakthroughs in avionics systems and composite materials have reached advanced international levels. Coupled with Dragon Country's policy support and market demand, the C919 is very likely to become a formidable competitor."

The technical director on the side continued:

"We must accelerate technical upgrades while increasing investment in the Dragon Country market to prevent the rapid rise of the C919."

Airbus also responded accordingly, urgently adjusting its strategic layout in the Asia-Pacific region. On one hand, it increased investment in Dragon Country's regional jet market, attempting to squeeze the ARJ21's market space;

On the other hand, it accelerated the R&D of new trunk-line airliners to cope with the competitive pressure brought by the C919.

Foreign media reported that high-level Airbus officials stated:

"The development speed of Dragon Country's aviation industry has exceeded our expectations. The success of the ARJ21 is just the beginning. We must be fully prepared to deal with competition from Dragon Country."

In addition to the vigilance of international aviation giants, the national level of Dragon Country also gave high praise to the success of the ARJ21 and the joint R&D between Tianxing and COMAC.

Relevant departments sent special congratulatory messages, praising Tianxing Group and COMAC for their significant contributions to the development of Dragon Country's aviation industry. They also stated that they would increase policy support and capital investment for the large aircraft project to help the C919 achieve airworthiness certification as soon as possible and promote the high-quality development of Dragon Country's civil aviation industry.

In Tianxing Laboratory, the core R&D team had already held a kickoff meeting for the C919 project. Zhou Ming, as the person in charge, was deploying R&D tasks:

"Everyone, the success of the ARJ21 is only our first step. Now the C919 joint R&D project has officially started. This is a key battle in our Dragon Country's large aircraft strategy and a test of our laboratory's technical strength. Everyone must go all out to overcome the core technical hurdles and live up to the expectations of President Chen and the country!"

The laboratory's researchers expressed their commitment one after another:

"Rest assured, Manager Zhou, we will go all out to overcome all technical difficulties, let the C919 take to the skies soon, and ensure Dragon Country has its own large trunk-line aircraft!"