Rebirth of the Military Industrial Overlord

Donald Douglas stood up, even knocking over the coffee cup in front of him, splashing a mess on the carpet, and his slightly pale face was flushed in an instant with his hands. Waving unconsciously, with excitement even a little incoherent: "Eric, how do you know, oh my god, how can you, no, this is not true..."

Tan Zhenhua also hurriedly stood up while supporting him while quietly comforting him, for fear that this old man, who was already a little older, would not have any accidents because of his excitement, then he would be very guilty.

After a while, Donald Douglas finally stabilized his emotions, sat down again, and stared at Tan Zhenhua closely and asked: "Who are you? How do you know this? What is your purpose? "

Because there is a saying that asks Google for foreign affairs, and Duniang for internal affairs...

"Mr. Donald, I just said that in our China, the names of you and your father have always been praised and respected. I am not only an aviation enthusiast, but also two famous experts in China Aviation. As a teacher, as long as you mention the history of world aviation development over the past century, I am afraid that you and your father are names that have to be mentioned repeatedly, so I know these are not secret history, and it is not too strange, right? "

Donald Douglas, who had recovered his expression, thought for a while, and felt that this explanation was somewhat reasonable, so he continued to ask: "Then how much do you know?"

"Not too much." Tan Zhenhua replied honestly: "I know your father, Mr. Donald Sr. founded Douglas Aircraft Company in 1920 and built his first airplane in 1921, the Cloud Walker; in 1924 Manufactured the world’s first single-engine aircraft "World Cruiser" to complete global flight; in 1935, he designed and manufactured the most classic piston engine transport aircraft in history-Douglas DC-3 and its subsequent development model C-47. It is this classic aircraft, which has produced more than 10,000 aircraft, that supported the initial hump route, and also allowed Dauklas Aircraft Company to surpass Boeing as the world's number one civilian transport aircraft."

After a pause, Tan Zhenhua took a peek at Donald Douglas's expression and found that the latter was listening attentively. The expression on his face was focused and proud. He couldn't help secretly rejoicing in his heart, and then gushed: "Of course these achievements cannot be completed. Summarizing the achievements of Mr. Donald, he also led the design and manufacture of the Douglas SBD "Fearless" dive bomber, and it is this aircraft that contributed to your country's victory in the Pacific War, not to mention the subsequent A-20. "Havoc", A-26 "Invader", and A-1 "Sky Raider" attack aircraft."

"And you, Mr. Donald Douglas Jr.," Tan Zhenhua said, "After you inherited the business of Mr. Donald, you also led the Daokes Aircraft Company in the "Sparrow Air-to-Air Missile", "Saturn 5" rocket propulsion stage, Great achievements have been made in the A-4 "Skyhawk" attack aircraft. Even the research and development of the F-15 "Eagle" fighter, the main fighter of the U.S. Air Force, started under your leadership, if not because The two airliners, DC-8 and DC-9, cost Douglas too much cash, and McDonald’s simply couldn’t have the opportunity to take advantage of it and gain control of Douglas."

Tan Zhenhua said so much in one breath, and felt a little dry mouth, so he lowered his head and took a sip of coffee, and at the same time observed the reaction of Donald Douglas Jr.

But the expression on Donald Douglas Jr.'s face has changed from a slightly proud smile at the beginning to being mixed with pain, confusion and regret.

After a moment of silence, he said with a hoarse voice: "Perhaps the worst thing I have done in my life is to get Edward to leave the company."

Tan Zhenhua nodded and said, "Although it is impolite to say this, I still have to admit that you are right. Edward Heinman is a legendary aircraft designer. Douglas has so many commendable products. His genius is inseparable, but it is too late to say this. After all, Mr. Edward is from the same age as your father. He is too old and you are still full of energy."

"Energetic? Haha." Little Donald Douglas shook his head with a wry smile: "Boy, I'm 66 this year..."

Tan Zhenhua interrupted him and said, "Mr. Donald, I know your age. I also know that just last year, the old Mr. Donald Douglas has passed away. I guess, even though he was 15 years old after McDonald's annexation of the Douglas Company. I haven't said a word about this for years, but it must be regretful, right?"

Donald Douglas Jr. tightened his lips and said nothing, but his stern face betrayed him.

MacDonald, in the era when Douglas dominated the skies of the United States, was just an insignificant role. During the entire World War II, it did not even develop an aircraft by itself, but only earned some processing fees by authorizing the production of other people’s aircraft. Douglas, a huge company with 160,000 employees, was in the eyes.

But it is such a humble small company that gained a lot of cash after the war by winning an order for the U.S. Navy’s F-4 Phantom fighter. This took advantage of the fierce competition between Douglas and Boeing and because of the DC-8 and DC-9. The R&D invested a lot of money and debts, when the stocks were declining, took advantage of the emptiness, and used the cash in hand to acquire a large number of shares in Douglas in the market, thus gaining its control in one fell swoop, and ultimately contributed to the two companies’ "merge".

This so-called "merger" is more appropriate than "the dove occupying the magpie's nest". After the "merger", the retired Donald Douglas only received the virtual title of "honorary chairman", and Donald Jr. Douglas was deprived of all rights, and his only identity was the "long-term senior consultant" of New McDonnell Douglas.

Of course, there is no doubt that they are all excluded from the board of directors of New McDonnell Douglas.

And all of this happened after Donald Douglas the old handed over the leadership of the company to Donald Douglas Jr.

If the man in front of him did not hold a fire in his heart, Tan Zhenhua would not believe it.

"Mr. Donald, your father must have left with regret, and you are 66 years old this year. Then, I would take the liberty to ask you a question. In the future, when you leave too, what do you hope to bring with you? A mood?"