Strengthening, Simulation, and Modification

Tang Rui walked around the J-18 prototype, asking numerous questions.

He inquired about the lifting body with a canard wing and the small aspect ratio, medium sweep angle main wing, components crucial for achieving maximum lift coefficient at low speed, optimal lift-drag ratio at subsonic and transonic speeds, and minimal drag coefficient at supersonic speeds. The team had devised promising concepts, but challenges persisted. Tang Rui wasn't convinced that Shen Huoyi had already resolved these issues. Nonetheless, these concerns were not his responsibility; his primary task was to assist with the vertical take-off and landing system.

"What was the calculated lift coefficient for vertical take-off and landing in your simulations?" Tang Rui asked.

Director Liu responded, "The simulation yielded a result of 65%."

"Simulation?" Tang Rui's interest was piqued. "What about real-world testing?"

"Only 37%," Director Liu replied with a rueful smile.