Chapter 388: Chapter 386: The Plane’s Problem
Installing air filters on helicopters is already a kind of advanced technology in itself.
After all, before this, there wasn’t any aircraft in the world that would install air filters on their air intake ducts, as it would greatly affect the airflow.
But Chen Xin, leveraging the powerful capability of system upgrades, developed an air filter that can be installed on helicopters, allowing them to fly even with air filters.
"Did installing the air filter affect the aircraft’s power performance?" Chen Xin placed two air filters removed from a Z-20 helicopter on the table, disassembling them while asking the pilot next to him.
"It does have some impact, the airflow is indeed somewhat reduced compared to before, but overall it’s still sufficient for flight needs. However, the engine power has decreased somewhat compared to before, requiring adjustments in load capacity." The pilot reported the situation to Chen Xin and also informed him of the changes in aircraft performance parameters after installing the air filters.
After listening to the pilot’s explanation, Chen Xin nodded in understanding, "It seems that installing air filters still significantly affects the engine intake. While it doesn’t render the aircraft unable to fly, it greatly impacts engine power. Without altering the engine, we can only continue to improve the air filter or enlarge the air intake duct."
"Would enlarging the air intake duct affect the aircraft’s structure?" The pilot, being knowledgeable, was naturally worried that modifying the intake duct might disrupt the aircraft’s aerodynamic layout.
"There might be some impact, but it can be adjusted, it’s not a big deal." Chen Xin seemed unconcerned, speaking very casually.
Enlarging the air intake duct without affecting the aircraft’s aerodynamic layout would be a major project for a regular aircraft designer, possibly requiring a complete redesign of the aircraft. But for Chen Xin, who controls the system, it was no big deal.
As he examined the disassembled air filter in his hands, Chen Xin suddenly asked the pilot curiously, "Speaking of which, without satellite navigation and with such darkness, how did you manage to fly here?"
"The aircraft has positioning instruments, so we can still determine our position. Combined with the altimeter, there’s no risk of getting lost." The pilot spoke lightly, but only they knew the inherent danger and difficulty.
Night flying is itself a challenging task. Before the disaster, with satellite positioning, tower guidance, air control, and other auxiliary conditions, night flying didn’t seem so difficult. After all, you just flew according to the pre-set data. Since flying at a high altitude, there were no reference points, and everything relied on the aircraft’s various flight assistance systems. They could even engage autopilot and let the pilot take a break.
But after losing these aids, flying became a perilous test of the pilot’s skills, much like it was in the past.
Without modern aids, flying now is not much different from WWII, only that now the aircraft are more advanced, coupled with computer assistance. Pilots can more intuitively read their precise position from various instruments on the aircraft, unlike WWII pilots who could only calculate their position with a compass and watch.
But this doesn’t reduce the dangers of night flying, especially now when visibility is so low, one can’t even see their hands in front of them, and there are almost no reference points on the ground. Given that helicopters don’t fly at a high altitude, there’s a significant risk of crashing into mountains and causing a disaster.
In such conditions, for pilots to fly helicopters here is incredibly brave, truly remarkable.
"No matter what, it’s still very dangerous!" Chen Xin sighed, gaining newfound respect for these pilots.
"How can soldiers fear danger?" The pilot seemed to have long been mentally prepared for this, showing no emotion: "Having chosen to become a pilot, I’ve long since accepted the risks I must face."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xin couldn’t help but take a deep look at him but said nothing more, simply directing his attention back to the air filter in his hand, proceeding to upgrade it using the system’s functions.
"I’ve made some adjustments to this air filter, which should improve airflow. You can test it on your return flight, and after getting back, have the professional technicians take a look. If there are any further issues, feel free to contact me." Chen Xin handed the upgraded air filter back to the pilot, helping them install it on the helicopter.
The pilot saluted Chen Xin and thanked him, "Thank you for your help, Comrade Chen Xin. We’ll be on our way now."
Perhaps due to the nature of soldiers being laconic, the pilot expressed thanks to Chen Xin, but he didn’t say many words of gratitude; nevertheless, his appreciation towards Chen Xin was sincere.
"Safe travels." Chen Xin didn’t mind, smiled at the pilot, and watched as the pilot boarded the aircraft, restarted it, and kicked up a windstorm.
Taking a few steps back to maintain a safe distance, he watched the helicopter’s rotor blades stir up a snow flurry and then gradually ascend, disappearing into the night sky.
"If we could get aircraft back to flying, life would become much more manageable in the future." Watching the departing helicopter, Chen Xin couldn’t help but sigh.
"Helicopters may not be much of a problem, but what about those large jet planes? The air intake issue for large aviation engines is much more severe compared to helicopter engines, right?" The political commissar standing nearby heard Chen Xin’s sigh and suddenly curiously asked him.
Compared to helicopters with limited payloads, fixed-wing aircraft are the real focus. Whether it’s civil airliners, transport planes, or military fighter jets, they’re all fixed-wing aircraft. Their engines require significantly more air intake, especially for large aircraft where multiple engines provide massive thrust and have an equally staggering air demand.
But if this issue can be resolved, allowing large aircraft to return to the skies, the change it would bring to the current situation would be phenomenal.
"For larger aircraft, we can first consider traditional propeller planes. Their engine air intake isn’t as exaggerated as jets. They can still fly with added air filters, and if necessary, they can be converted to electric." Chen Xin had thought of this but had no good method for jet aircraft: "As for jet engines... without significant improvement in air quality, we’d have to consider redesigning them. Air filters wouldn’t meet flight needs; a sonic barrier would easily shatter them."
While not all jet planes break the sound barrier, it’s the supersonic fighter jets in the military that need addressing the most.
However, even with this, Chen Xin felt powerless. Given an aviation engine, he might modify one suitable for the current environment, but that wasn’t particularly necessary.
This is because the dust in the air affecting flight is temporary. As the dust gradually settles, once the air quality meets flight requirements, those jet planes can naturally return to the skies, negating any necessity for redesigning an engine to meet short-term needs.
After all, if you can’t fly, neither can others.