“We don’t export fighters, but we export the best pilots!”
A short ad slogan made Future Military the star among the audience. Especially among customers from third world countries, the enthusiasm for the “Matador” was particularly high. Even though the price of the first generation electronic pilot “Matador” was an astounding 15 million Xin New dollars, which exceeded the price of the MiG-25 itself, it did not dampen their enthusiasm.
“Give us fifty! If you are willing to sell us 20 electronic pilots every year for the next ten years and promise to give priority to upgrading and maintaining our Matadors after the AI update, I can give you some information as well, the central government will issue a policy by the end of this year at the latest, and the threshold for the maglev road will be open early next year from our country’s first-tier cities to inland second-tier cities!”
“Can the price be cheaper? Our country is not developed. If you are willing to give me a 10% discount, we can discuss the possibility of subways or copper mines!”
“A wonderful showdown! We are very interested in your matador! If you plan to sell, we are willing to purchase 30 matadors in one lump sum payment! If you are willing to authorize the relevant technology, please be sure to consider us!”
The price of 15 million Xin New dollars was not an expensive figure for most people, or rather, it could be considered cheap
Why?
Some simple math could explain the reasoning!
According to international standards, the cost of flying a third-generation fighter for one hour was about 50,000 US dollars and training a pilot required at least 180 hours of training per year. However, the world generally agreed that an experienced third-generation fighter pilot needed a thousand hours of flying experience, therefore, it was simple to do the math. Training an experienced pilot would cost at least 50 million US dollars, and an ace pilot with a flight time of more than 3,000 hours would require at least 200 million!
Whether it was familiarity with the radar, grasp of the timing of maneuvers, judgment of the situation, or the timing of the flare… Even an ace pilot-controlled MiG-25 would not be able to execute all these steps to perfection. The matador had already demonstrated its inhuman combat qualities, which turned air combat into a game with predictable outcomes.
A pilot superior to an ace pilot for “only” a cost of 15 million Xin New dollars! Especially this deal also included future upgrades, maintenance as well as other services! Without the need to think, after everyone witnessed such an amazing competition, the matador naturally became top of the list.
Whether it was a third world country or a first world country, everyone opened their wallet to fight for the limited number of matadors from the Future Military. At first, Jiang Chen didn’t expect the sales to be so explosive. Not only were the 20 units quickly sold out, but orders were even scheduled until the end of next year.
This demand even caught him by surprise.
Originally, he thought that it would take some time for these people to accept the concept of electronic pilots. However, he did not expect that a MiG-25 and a quasi-sixth-generation Urangno would actually help him with free promotion.
When Jiang Chen looked to Matteo, who blankly stared into the ocean, he finally resisted the urge to laugh.
Regardless, this man did do him a huge favor and it would be rude to make fun of him.
…
Matteo’s expression was a bit sluggish when he gazed into the ocean, his Adam’s apple moved up and down from time to time, and internal, he wanted to cry.
Not far away, two engineering ships were moored, and the hooks on the mechanical cantilevers were searching for the wreckages under the guidance of divers. Celestial Trade generously stated that it would help Leonardo salvage the wreckage of the sixth-generation fighter for free.
As for the MiG-25, because of its limited value, Future Military decided against retrieving its wreckage.
MiG-25’s cockpit was the first to be retrieved.
The MiG, which was hit in the belly by the “Uragano’s” pilot probe, split in two from the middle. However, it was more complete than the “Uragano” body that smashed into steel.
Future Military’s Matador, whose head was smashed into pieces, were pulled out from the cockpit. It was placed at the most conspicuous position for exhibition and similar to displaying a hero, it once again won the applause and praise of the people.
The applause sounded so harsh in Matteo’s ears.
He never thought that it would end in this way.
The Uragano did not win him a single order but instead caused his other fighters to not sell as well.
With absolute advantage, their Uragano managed a tie with the MiG-25. There was almost no doubt that starting from tomorrow, their hard work would definitely become the laughing stock.
He was most worried about whether or not NATO would reconsider the research and development plan with Leonardo. After all, it appeared that the defeated Uragano was a complete failure.
It was difficult to say whether NATO would pay for these failed machines.
If the answer was no, Leonardo’s investment would be completely written off. If the answer was yes, it would continue to invest in the Uragano to improve this fighter with an already failed label – the risk to the company would be immense.
In any case, the result of this competition had forced him and his company into a dilemma.
He could only hope NATO would make it less difficult for him…
…
“Cheers to our victory!”
“Cheers!”
The crisp clings of glasses were joined together, and the noisy laughter and chatter seemed out of place compared with the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Jiang Chen booked a Michelin three-star restaurant in the Heart of the Sea. He had invited all Future Military senior executives and scientists.
The table was full of delicious food, a bottle of vintage red wine was served to everyone, and it was a feast. In particular, because the president was also here, everyone was drinking and spared no effort in an attempt to make an impression in front of Jiang Chen.
The third day of the defense exhibition had just come to an end. Future Military had received more than 50 billion Xin New dollars in orders. Especially today, the total value of orders for more than 700 Matadors had exceeded 10 billion.
These orders were enough for Future Military to digest till the end of next year, and the CEO would not need to worry about quarterly or annual reports for at least two years.
The theme of tomorrow’s defense exhibition was air defense, and it was no longer the home court of Future Military. Future Military did not intend to sell its laser anti-missile or interference technology, so it generously gave the stage to its two allies, Russia and Hua, to show their muscles.
To be honest, in fact, from the third day on, it was no longer Future Military’s home court. Future Military had no plan to sell fighters at all. If it weren’t for Leonardo’s desperate attempt to make an impression, the situation would not have turned out like this…
