The Military-industrial Scientific Research System of the Academic Master Chapter 1059

Chapter 1059: What does extreme joy bring about sorrow?

Tim Purdy's current behavior is a bit self-satisfied at best, but a little self-satisfied at worst.

However, Charles Champion could no longer care about such details.

As the chief operating officer of the A380 project, he was even more excited than Bodi after hearing that the Trent 900 could be delivered on time.

After all, the pressures faced by both sides are completely different.

As a "new century air cruise" with a take-off weight exceeding the Boeing 747, and even exceeding the An-225 in terms of volume, the A380 not only pins Airbus's expectations to completely suppress its old rival Boeing in the field of passenger aircraft, but also attracts the attention of public opinion around the world at all times. .

In most cases, especially at the beginning of a project, this focus is undoubtedly beneficial.

This model once received funding and resource investment beyond commercial rationality.

But the cost of investing beyond commercial rationality is that expectations also exceed commercial rationality.

According to convention, the technical team will give itself some room for maneuver when disclosing the development schedule to the outside world.

Because of such a large-scale project, even if the gods come, there is no guarantee that there will be no trouble at all.

Just like the Trent 900.

Although Bodi said it would be delivered before March 2004, Champine is almost certain that the other party's internal timetable is at least a quarter earlier than this, or even more.

However, on the A380, publicity needs have overshadowed technical needs.

The PR department bypassed the R&D team and directly disclosed the internal plan schedule.

And if the media just joins in the fun, it will not cause any serious consequences.

The real trouble is that the overwhelming public opinion will eventually affect users who are ready to place orders—

There are rumors outside that the A380 will be put into operation in 2007. Now you tell me that it will be delivered before 2008. Are you looking down on me?

Hence, the supply contract for the initial users was also signed before the end of 2007.

In the end, Champien felt like there was a whip behind him lashing his **** almost all the time. As long as he made the slightest mistake, he would have to bear the double pressure from Party A's boss and external public opinion.

In this current situation, if the Trent 900 can really be delivered on time or ahead of schedule.

Let him call Bodie his adopted father.

Of course, Airbus and Rolls-Royce are both well-known companies in the industry, and aero engines are off-the-shelf products with special properties. They cannot be traded like black market transactions, where the managers of both parties make a deal at once.

Later, the past intention agreement must be upgraded to a formal supply agreement.

Especially details such as the delivery deadline and the technical state that the product must reach when delivered cannot be ignored.

Otherwise, if something goes wrong in the future, you'll have to wait and see.

Fortunately, Bodi has a legal team with him, and they are obviously here to achieve results as soon as possible...

“Charlie, in order to improve efficiency, I suggest that you also organize a technical team as soon as possible to go to the Rainsway factory to understand the situation while the negotiations are ongoing.”

At the end of the meeting, Bodie suddenly suggested:

“In this way, even if there are any problems or differences during the meeting, they can be resolved through communication in the shortest possible time…”

The British can come up with such a "deviant" method, which shows that Rolls-Royce is quite well prepared and is bound to win the power of the A380's first flight.

However, in the face of Party B who was suddenly so proactive that he began to push for updates in the opposite direction, Champine felt a little uncomfortable:

"Uh...Timmy, you came too suddenly this time. Today...or in the next few days, we definitely won't be able to start negotiations. We also need time to assess the situation and organize manpower..."

He replied with some embarrassment:

"In short...I will hand over the information and reports you brought to the group level as soon as possible, and by the end of next week at the latest, negotiations can certainly begin..."

Pody had already anticipated the efficiency of the French before coming to Airbus, so this answer was not surprising.

In fact, even the hotel room was booked directly for two weeks.

However, he still deliberately put on an expression of "This is very difficult for me". After hesitating for a long time, he reluctantly nodded:

“Okay, but it has to be quick... The ground testing of the Trent 900 is in the final stages and we don't want to delay the air testing...”

The performance in front of Champine put Bodie in a good mood.

After leaving Airbus, he quickly organized his staff and began to prepare for negotiations to begin next week.

It is said to be preparation, but actually there is nothing special that needs to be done.

In his view, and even in the view of the entire Rolls-Royce company, the Trent 900 has now made up for the last shortcoming in performance. Compared with its competitors, it only has high speed, that is, the noise control during takeoff and climb is slightly worse.

But this disadvantage is not worth mentioning in the face of the huge lead in fuel economy.

In addition, the basic design of the GP7200 is derived from the two engines of GE90 and PW4090. At best, this hybrid design can combine the advantages of both models, but on the other hand, it will also bring many technical problems. risk.

In short, it's about performance, reputation and risk.

The advantage is huge, I don't even know how to lose!

However, what happened next made Bodie quickly understand what it means to be extremely happy and beget sorrow...

On the first weekend after the Rollo-Royce team arrived in France, Bodi, who had nothing to do, took a few of his men out for a round of fun as usual.

When he returned to his residence, it was already approaching midnight. But the few team members who stayed behind did not fall asleep, but gathered at the door of Bodi's room.

Apparently waiting for his return.

"director."

The team assistant came forward:

“Two hours ago, news came from the headquarters, saying that you should return to China as soon as possible, but we couldn't contact you just now, so we had to wait here.”

This sentence directly made Bodi, who was already seven points drunk, tremble and wake up instantly:

“Shall I...or shall we?”

He shook his head, which was still a little dizzy, and immediately confirmed.

“Director Panos Watson specifically emphasized that you will return to China alone, and our remaining members will continue to negotiate with Airbus in France, but...”

The other party paused for a moment, then further lowered his voice:

“Ask us to delay as much time as possible and not to reach a clear agreement with Airbus for the time being.”

If Bodi just woke up just now, now he is breaking out in a cold sweat.

As the deputy project director, it was actually nothing unusual for the headquarters to ask him to go back alone.

After all, many major decisions could not be made without his presence.

But at the same time, the negotiating team is asked to delay...

Then I'm afraid there's only one possibility left—

Trent 900, something went wrong.

Moreover, it's not a small problem.

Because as Champine just guessed, the delivery time in March 2004 actually left a three-month margin.

The sudden change in negotiation strategy shows that three months is not enough...

Poody felt a little headache.

Think about it, I just boasted so much in front of Champine two days ago, only to have my hips stretch out.

This wave is obviously bound to make a fool of itself.

But compared to the progress of the Trent 900, and even the future and destiny of this model, personal dignity seems to be insignificant.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down:

“When is the nearest flight ticket?”

“I checked, it will be 7 o'clock tomorrow morning.”

The assistant replied:

“However, given the weather in London, it might be faster to take the Eurostar.”

European Star is a cross-sea railway train between London and Paris, with about 6-9 departures every day.

In short-distance travel like Britain and France, it is often more convenient than flying.

This is especially true in harsh climate conditions.

It's just that the environment is a bit worse.

"Then take the train... I hope they can be more punctual than the British and German railways..."

Pody made a prompt decision:

“We're going to Paris now.”

Airbus' factory is located in Toulouse, southwest France, about 700 kilometers away from Paris.

After saying that, he opened the door and started to pack his things while resisting the slight headache caused by the alcohol.

“Director Bodi, if you haven't come back after the negotiations start next week and Airbus asks again…”

The assistant also walked in.

He didn't know exactly what happened at the headquarters, but after Bodi left, the entire team lost the person who could make decisions, and it was definitely impossible to negotiate normally.

If something really goes wrong, I, as an assistant, will probably be thrown out and take the blame in the end.

However, at this moment, Bodi himself was so confused that he could not care about appeasing others, so he immediately said what he was thinking:

“Just say that I am suddenly unwell and unable to lead the negotiations... The headquarters may send another person to take charge, but if not, you will be responsible for a period of time..."

(End of this chapter)

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