Original subtitles

Pay attention to sonic boom.

01

Two enemy aircrafts are entering waters under China's jurisdiction.

Intercept and evict.

Over.

Let's see what you got there.

Well done.

This is China Air Force.

You are now entering waters under China's jurisdiction.

Change your course immediately.

Or you will be intercepted.

We can come and go whenever we want.

Oh my god!

Is he crazy?

God damn it!

You're locked.

Fox 2.

Come on! Come on! Come on!

Fail to lock.

Fail to lock.

I got your back.

One circle.

Enemy tracking.

Warning.

You're locked.

Warning.

You're locked.

Target. 5 o'clock.

Here I come.

You're locked.

He's on my tail.

Break left!

0101

Watch out.

Those are the fourth-generation fighters.

So?

You're locked.

Oh Shit!

Warning.

You're locked.

Warning.

You're locked.

Warning.

You're locked.

Warning.

Go! Go! Go!

Come on! Come on! Come on!

Target locked.

Request to open fire.

Engine flame out.

The engine has flamed out.

Aircraft emergency,

get ready.

Copy that.

Fail to lock.

Shit.

I'll be back.

Lei.

Hold the stick,

I'll take you back.

Engine flame out.

Engine Fire!

Engine Fire!

Engine Fire!

01

Shut down the engine.

Check EPU.

EPU green

Preparing for a forced landing

Altitude 8,000.

IAS 400.

60 klicks to the base.

0101

Get ready to bail out.

It's too far away.

I'll need a taxi to get back.

Don't worry.

We'll make it back.

With the current glide ratio,

it's really hard.

No one knows the limits better than I do.

It's all good.

That's the limit value.

Which is proved by real test flights.

Attention, all units.

Aircraft 10 klicks to the base.

Get ready for rescue.

0101

Report your status.

Altitude 1,800.

IAS 400.

9 klicks to the base.

0101

Lower the landing gear.

Not yet.

It's too early now.

In another 15 seconds.

Can't wait anymore.

0101

Do you copy, 01?

01

01

Electrical power loss in 10 seconds,

lower the gear immediately.

That's an order.

Activating standby power.

01

I can see you already.

Steady the course.

It's highly probable the drogue chute won't open.

Just apply emergency braking

when you land.

Fail to deploy the drogue chute.

Drogue chute not working.

Emergency brake.

And that is how you can tell a test pilot.

Speed Limit.

AOA Limit.

Engine over temperature.

Engine RPM runaway.

Lei Yu.

You exceeded the operational envelope in flight

for an extended period.

In preliminary assessment,

there was nothing wrong with the aircraft.

You were at fault.

Those were fourth-generation stealth fighters.

A whole generation ahead of us,

How was I supposed to win without reaching the limit?

If you could just take the most advantage of

level maneuvering characteristics,

you might as well have a chance.

How was I supposed to do that

without a good engine?

Based on the investigation report from our panel of experts,

there is no design or manufacture defects

in this batch of aircrafts.

Ready for test flights again.

Lei Yu.

He knows all the parameters very well,

and has a good grasp of the theoretical basis.

He flew the aircraft with accurate operations,

and saved the aircraft from crashing.

That was supposed to be rewarded.

But if he could lower the landing gear

just 1.8 seconds earlier,

the aircraft could be safer.

With such an engine,

how could we have a good fight?

The fourth-generation stealth fighters of the enemy

have intruded into waters under China's jurisdiction multiple times.

Our platforms are still of the third-generation.

In western countries, there was a record of a kill ratio of 75 to 1

in fourth-gens against third-gens.

Let me put it this way.

It's like Mike Tyson going up against an average teenager.

Effortless.

Now some other countries have deployed

hundreds of stealth fighter jets like this all around us,

trying to make us cave in.

How is the Taishan engine going?

Sir.

It's at its most crucial point.

Everything is going well.

We promise to finish on time.

Surrounded by enemy forces,

we need to drop our killer weapon ASAP.

Lei Yu.

You were rewarded again.

I got the news from the army.

Hey Mum.

Is everything alright with you and Dad?

What do you think?

Your Dad and I have been staying up all night,

worrying about you.

I'm fine.

I'm...

doing really well.

Where is Dad?

Dear,

your son wants to talk to you.

Tell him I'm not home.

Lei Yu.

Take care of yourself.

Did you hear that? Be careful up there.

I gotta go, Mum.

Lei.

Allow me to introduce.

This is my big brother from the Academy,

member of the panel,

and a top-notch test pilot,

Zhang Ting.

He came all the way here to steal my talents.

And he is all heart for you.

Zhang Ting.

Lei Yu.

Let me explain.

The Flight Test Bureau

is now recruiting.

We would like for you to join us.

I...

I think I'll pass.

Flight test is at home base,

I prefer to be at the front line.

He's our top pilot.

Just got himself a Golden Helmet.

Got a promising career ahead of him.

You need to listen to me.

Just forget about it.

The kid likes to surf.

Pushing the limit is his thing.

Tell me that you don't want to fly

a stealth fighter jet?

A stealth fighter?

Stealth shape,

composite material,

intelligent handling,

super cruise,

and a good engine.

That's possible for us?

Do you know

what's the biggest secret of

China's atomic bomb?

That it was made and made out of nothing.

You were head to head with

enemy stealth fighters before.

But ours

you haven't seen it.

And you will when you are a test pilot.

It's pretty different here than down the south, huh?

Yeah.

This is such a barren land.

We've got good aircrafts,

some of which I suppose you've never seen before.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

You've been practicing for six months now.

And that's the best you got?

Work harder.

When you make it to 20,

073 is going to fly over our school.

Training for the circus again?

You want to be Messi?

Not gonna work, man.

Go away.

It's ok to take a peep,

pretending to be blindfolded.

That's cheating.

What...

The aircraft is not gonna crash, is it?

Sandstorm.

Sit tight.

Where?

Over there.

What am I looking at?

It's 073.

How do you know?

Every time my dad doesn't come home the night before,

he'll pull some good tricks the next day.

Let me see.

Who's the pilot?

Commander Zhang.

The guy who recruited you.

Zhang has flown under all kinds of weather conditions,

and more than 20 types of different aircrafts.

The fighter jets that he had tested

can equip three ace divisions.

I just want you to come back in one piece.

Don't worry.

Goodbye.

You are...

Lei Yu, right?

Ying jun.

Well, thanks.

My name is...

Gao Ying jun.

J-7 pilot

from The First T.C.

Lei Yu

The Second T.C.

Yeah, I know.

I've heard so much about you.

Here.

Alright.

You got another one left on your face.

All there.

I'm gonna fly all of them.

Here we are.

Everybody in the same room?

This is like the freshman year.

We need to pass the examination first.

The ones that stay get singles.

And...

Only seven spots.

Five.

Five spots left for you,

as far as we're concerned.

In recent days,

unidentified aircrafts

have entered waters under China's jurisdiction.

China Air Force took immediate actions.

Shoot the assholes down.

We hereby reiterate

that we are determined to defend

This is your bed.

The one folding his underwear,

his name is Xia Pengfei.

I know him.

Golden Helmet and Golden Dart.

The one standing next to him,

that's Li Xiaohang,

his wing man.

The one wearing a vest, that's Tong Gan.

He has a Golden Dart.

What about you?

What about me?

What do you have?

I had Golfer's elbow.

Hurt like hell.

Stand up.

You son of a...

Quit messing around.

You've got company from your T.C., man.

You from The Second T.C.?

Hi.

I'm Jia Shengli.

Lei Yu.

My son kept me up all night last night.

Just let me get some sleep.

Go away.

Look.

Who have we got here?

Someone who lost to me.

I beat him in the Golden Helmet competition.

But he refused to salute me as he was supposed to.

That's pretty shiny.

Deng,

don't you have three of those?

Can we all take a look?

That's right.

Let's all take a look.

Three Golden Helmets.

That's really impressive.

Watch out for Deng Fang.

He's got three Golden Helmets.

That's because I wasn't there.

You beat him this time,

but he didn't really admit it,

and accused you of rigging the electronic system,

and cheating in the competition.

He didn't salute you.

Assemble!

Come back here.

It's your animal year?

Yes.

Pretty festive, huh?

My Mum bought the underpants for me.

Go.

Yes, sir.

Dress right!

Eyes front!

Time.

9 seconds late.

You really need to

practice your daily routines.

Did you hear me?

Yes, sir.

I am Zhang Ting,

the commander of

the Fighter Squadron 1,

Flight Test Bureau.

Call sign

073

Director Han Junhao

is here to say a few words.

This is a great time for you.

There are so many advanced aircrafts

for you to test.

Test pilots are dancing on the edge of a razor.

Indeed.

To test an aircraft is to

forge on undeterred

by the dangers up there.

We perfect our fighter jets

for air combat,

so that your fellow pilots on the front line

can fight as they could,

free of worries.

The first battle is the final battle.

Starting tomorrow,

each and every one of you is going to pass

three tests:

Physical Test,

Conversion Training,

and Aviation Theories.

The person with the lowest points will be out.

Only seven people,

among all of you

could stay here.

The ones that do stay

are going to fly our latest stealth fighters.

And even have a chance to become

the chief pilot in the future.

No matter how good you were,

or what you have achieved.

But here,

we all start from zero.

Are we clear?

Yes, sir.

I am the examiner of your physical test.

Dr. Shen Tianran.

Assemble!

Deng Fang.

Yes, Ma'am.

Lei Yu.

Yes, Ma'am.

You guys up first.

Start now.

Step forward.

This subject mainly assesses

a pilot's handling ability under stress

at extreme altitudes.

The air you breathe,

contains only 20% of normal oxygen level.

You need to finish all 100 quizzes

in five minutes.

You have only one chance.

If you're not feeling well,

we can stop at any time.

Understood?

Understood.

Let's get started.

Error.

Error.

RPM full.

Oxygen saturation 15%.

Lateral load factor 5.2 G.

Black out imminent.

Lei Yu 98.

Deng Fang 96.

The bathroom is over there.

Why did you become a test pilot?

I want to test the limits of our models.

When we reach our limits,

our buddies on the front line will have no limits.

I want to perfect our stealth fighter,

and get it to the front line and revenge.

Test pilots are like these new jets.

They need to be tested under extreme conditions.

If you want to test the limits of the fighter jets,

first of all,

you need to push your own limits.

How much limit data you can obtain

depends on

how much longer you could hang on

at the most vital moment.

And this is what tolerance test is all about.

Operation failed.

Your hands and your ass are the best sensors you've got.

Turn precise operation

into your muscle memory.

Even with your eyes closed,

there will be no mistakes.

Lei Yu Test Failed.

Crash.

Failed.

Let me do it again.

Will you get one more chance after you died?

Out.

Operation success.

Deng Fang Test Successful.

Lei Yu Test Failed.

Deng Fang Test Successful.

You didn't salute me after the Golden Helmet competition.

I will, if you beat me again.

We'll see.

Deng Fang.

Yes, sir.

Step forward.

You've had a pretty special day, huh?

Everyone else failed the test.

Only you passed it.

Is that the way it's supposed to be?

Step back.

Yes, sir.

Were your Golden Helmets

won in a scooter race?

You need to know everything about your aircraft

the way you do about your own body.

From now on,

you'll protect your flight data

the same way you protect your family.

Go practice more.

Air Force

This is China Air Force.

It's Air Force.

This is China Air Force.

You try to teach me

with that accent?

You're not going to evict enemy jets with that accent.

They'll think you are saying Hi.

I just want them to know that

this sky above and the sea below

all belongs to China.

China!

So does the accent.

Go to sleep now.

Lei Yu,

Shengli,

in the test today,

did you see the dog?

There was a dog?

Dog was right after the crows.

Don't you guys find the tests a bit odd?

In what way?

I got bitten by a dog when I was little.

That's why I'm scared of them.

That's not fair.

I'm scared of dogs, too.

A dog bit you, too?

Not exactly.

My girlfriend's zodiac animal is dog.

I forgot the mask again.

What a night.

I hope you won't have nightmares.

Don't you dare.

Woof.

How old are you?

The front line pilots,

referred to the practical envelope.

The theoretical envelope

is calculated by aircraft designers.

There is also the envelope to the limit.

That's the limit zone, where us, the test pilots,

where test pilots conduct flight tests.

We not only test to performance limit,

but also try to avoid all possible malfunctions that might happen.

And report any design defects that we find

back to scientific research departments.

To make sure that our pilots on the front line

have carefree handling.

Aircrafts cannot be fully designed.

They have to be flown.

That makes you guys

designers and engineers

that can fly.

That's all for today.

Feel free to ask questions. Anything.

Sir!

Yes, please.

Sir.

Why is your hair like that?

I lost.

A bet with him.

The data collected by your commander

from the high crosswind test

confirmed that

there are design flaws

in the aircrafts.

We were lucky that he wouldn't budge.

A test pilot's job is to

pick on these new fighters.

Nothing is ever too small.

Never let anything slide.

That's what makes a good test pilot.

All rise.

You're dismissed.

You don't really need to have the pigtail.

We were just joking.

There's no need to be serious.

A bet is a bet.

I need to set an example for them.

Look.

This is the data you brought back.

I couldn't help but wonder

how you always understood what we designers were thinking.

I wonder, too.

After so many years,

why are you still writing equations on cigarette cases?

It's been

four decades now.

You're still smoking that?

Alright.

Let's keep at it for another decade.

Deal.

Yes?

There's something else I want to ask you.

Please.

When could we solve the problems

regarding the engines?

Anytime now!

Let's find some time when I'm not busy.

I'll take you for a shave

and dye your hair maybe.

Right?

So that you would look younger.

Our predecessors,

our big brothers,

and dear buddies.

Today.

I've brought these kids here

to pay their respect.

From now on,

they can also come visit you

every now and then.

Let's put out the

food and wine.

"Daddy, I miss you."

The red strap of this babe you left me is worn-out.

I got a leather one.

Pretty cool, right?

Listen.

It's working very well.

I really miss you.

Lu Zheng yuan.

My commander.

Whenever I couldn't out speak him,

I would laugh at

the ringworm on his big toe nail.

On the day of the crash,

the two of them were burnt from head to toe,

and stuck together.

Completely unrecognizable.

So I got in the dirt.

And kept digging and digging.

Finally I found

half of his foot with the ringworm on it.

His eyes

were always squinted like this.

But he survived

five mid-air engine shutdowns.

And made me wear pigtails three times.

Bummer that.

I can never get back at him.

The envelope of our fighter jets

are tested

inch by inch

with their lives.

In the last 70 years,

every 17 minutes,

there will be one dangerous situation.

If you're scared,

it's not too late to leave.

I failed.

Guys.

I let you down.

Shengli.

Don't worry.

Just wait for us to finish testing these new jets,

so you can fly it.

I am the 81st test pilot

of the Flight Test Bureau.

Deng Fang.

Call sign.

Eagle.

I am the 82nd test pilot

of the Flight Test Bureau.

Lei Yu.

Call sign Shuke.

I am the 83rd test pilot

of the Flight Test Bureau.

Gao Ying jun.

Xia Pengfei.

Li Xiaohang.

Tong Gan.

Congratulations, everyone.

You are now the new generation

of fighter jets test pilots.

Flight testing is a different kind of battle.

It also has a direct impact on the outcome of the war.

Today,

confronting the tech blockade

and the containment strategy

of the foreign countries,

we are left with no other choice

but to win.

All that's missing is a good engine.

Smooth like the skin.

Guys.

Complete the Taishan test.

And get the stealth fighters

ready for combat right on schedule.

This will be a strong message to hostile forces.

This a battle of our country's

dignity and security.

Do you guys have faith?

Yes, sir!

We promise to deliver.

Thank you all.

Today,

we officially embark on

the flight test mission.

Maximum climb rate of the stealth fighter at low level.

A difficult one,

with high risks.

Who's up?

Me. High risk brings higher points.

Commander, here.

Commander.

Here, here,

I've done it once.

I want to give it a try,

if it's possible.

Commander Zhang, here, here.

19 missions,

26 disciplines.

There are three risk levels: High, medium and low.

Higher risks,

higher points.

Why can't I fly the stealth fighter?

Deng had a little bit higher points than you

in the conversion training.

Commander,

But I'm better at Aviation Theories.

And I've dealt with emergency before.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Give it a rest.

Sir,

takeoff precheck complete.

Ready for boarding.

Wow.

It's definitely not the same thing after the conversion.

You'll see.

I remember this from the Academy

VSS vehicle modified from K8,

aka Sky Magician.

It's a literal inflight experimental platform.

Time to show us what you can do up there.

Today's flight is to simulate

a High AOA

spin resistant

control law mode.

Go.

Checking instruments.

Fuel indicator normal.

Airspeed indicator normal.

Altimeter normal.

Pressure indicator normal.

Data transmission normal.

Left/right ailerons normal.

Elevators normal.

Rudders normal.

Who says a tractor can't win a Ferrari?

Well, let's see what happens.

Show me what you can do with this tractor.

082, checkup's complete.

Request to takeoff.

082, clear for takeoff.

Arrived at the test area.

Let's do it.

In-flight built-in tests.

Again?

You're used to flying aircrafts with mature engines.

These are test models.

[t won't hurt to

do an extra test.

Checkup's complete.

Carry out according to the program.

Let's do it.

Copy.

08

09

Stop.

What's the test point today?

08

I'm going to tell you one more time.

Today's discipline is

how to resist the spin

under the condition of 98 degree high AOA

with Tri-neutral controls technique.

98 degree is the test point.

Do not push it any further.

The limit came from actual flights.

Warning.

Stall.

Incipient Spin.

Warning.

Stall.

Hold on.

I'll recover.

Three sixty.

Two turns.

Three turns.

Don't worry.

I can do it.

Inverted Spin.

Invalid Operation.

Let me.

No.

I can do it.

Engine flame out.

The engine has flamed out.

Let me restart.

Airstart Unsuccessful.

Airstart Unsuccessful.

You let go.

Hand over to me.

No altitude.

Let's eject.

Steady.

Don't panic.

Engine flame out.

Commander,

we need to eject.

Engine flame out.

Airstart Unsuccessful.

Airstart Unsuccessful.

Airstart Unsuccessful.

Airstart Successful.

073

Report your status.

073

Ready to RTB.

Send someone to get the kid now.

Copy.

Ask the flight surgeon to run a medical check.

I'm fine.

Did anyone find that kid?

Already looking.

Don't worry.

Examine the recorder immediately.

See if we can rescue some data.

Copy.

Here.

"When will you get back? Home for dinner?”

Honey.

I just landed.

Don't worry.

Drinking is all you know.

Where is the couch I asked for?

Our guests have no place to sit.

Squatting all day made my legs sore.

I Can't even catch up with the lambs.

Just sell the lamb.

A couch is gonna cost a couple hundred dollars.

A couch from heaven?

Is that your couch?

A soldier boy came down from the sky.

Taking him home in a donkey cart.

Hey,

are those your friends?

Does your neck hurt?

No.

Do you feel dizzy?

No.

A quick ejection

might compress the spine by 1 to 3 millimeters.

You just touched the electric switch.

Must be feeling unwell.

We all understand.

The electric switch?

You know you were going to get a shock, but you do it anyway,

to personally feel the electricity yourself,

and to collect the limit data.

We call flight tests touching the electric switch.

Go pack your things.

Then come back to the hospital for a thorough checkup.

There's no need to do that.

I don't need a checkup.

You have to. That's the rule here.

I need to write an analysis report

to determine if you can keep flying.

Of course I can.

I don't need a checkup.

Don't forget to massage your neck when you get back,

and give me daily updates on your health state.

Lei still hasn't come back, right?

Nope.

He didn't stick to the protocol, did he?

That's no excuse for an ejection.

The decision complies with regulations.

Nothing wrong about that.

Lei.

How are you doing?

Let me see.

What's that smell?

It's new.

For good luck.

Take it.

You keep it.

Don't be a jerk,

for a mediocre pilot

you certainly have a temper.

What did you just say?

What?

Stop, stop.

Stop it.

Stop.

Commander is here.

Commander is here.

I'm here to announce the decisions.

Due to the mis-operation today,

all tests on VSS

are postponed for five days.

Then the whole schedule will be delayed as well.

Starting from tomorrow,

Lei Yu is grounded.

Why?

Just for ejection?

An inverted spin and engine flamed out,

the odds of two emergencies at the same time is 1 in 10,000.

I did nothing wrong!

Well, how come the commander made it back.

I just want to get limit data.

It's empty.

There's nothing wrong with saving your own life

in case of emergency.

Why did you panic?

You had more than enough time

to activate the protection device.

But you ejected.

The on board equipment wa severely damaged.

All data was lost.

Basically,

we risked our lives for nothing.

Every life matters.

We all have family.

No one wants to die.

But you're a soldier.

As a soldier,

your life is not complete

without your mission.

If the delay of this segment

intervenes with the stealth fighter deployment,

we're sinners.

With excellent design of engine and control surfaces,

it doesn't require maneuver in high G

to launch missiles quickly

or to evade dogfight missiles.

In that case,

we can effectively attack and defend.

This is the ability that

our next-generation fighters

must obtain.

You guys get ready.

We're about to

start this test.

Copy.

Dismissed.

Permission to come in, sir.

Please do.

What's he doing here?

Commander.

This is my petition to

transfer back.

Sure.

I'll report it right away.

So you're quitting, huh?

You are leaving?

You guys need anything else?

Go, now.

The transfer won't happen in the next minute.

Before you go,

I'll send you on another task.

I've been packing parachutes here for over 30 years.

No pilots

had lost flight data for an ejection

like you did.

This is my parachute. Where do I hang it?

Take it to the abandoned parachute room.

These ones

hanging here

are decorated chutes.

Including parachutes from fighters,

bombers,

and airlifters.

These decorated chutes

witnessed the development of

our country's aviation equipment step by step.

What kind of chute is this?

This is an anti-spin chute.

It's like a giant hand reaching out from the sky.

It pulls the aircraft out of a spin.

This is an old version.

New fighters don't need them anymore.

My family name is Ding.

You can call me Ding.

Before your transfer,

spend some time packing with me.

What is a pilot doing here packing parachutes?

Must've screwed up somewhere else.

Lei.

Go smooth out the chute cords first.

Alright, alright.

Packing parachutes is delicate work.

You can't rush it.

Hands, eyes and mind.

No distractions.

Hu.

Come here.

This is the Model 18 parachute,

with 28 chute cords in total.

We need to pack them in order.

First we need to find

the No. 14 chute cord with the orange tag.

Then we fold it one by one to No. 1.

Start from No. 15 on the right,

and all the way to No. 28.

The tips of all the chute cords

must align.

All the edges,

the same.

Otherwise the speed of opening the chute will be affected.

Come here.

Where did he go?

Look at you, all bored.

One parachute. One pilot's life.

If you're packing your own parachute,

will you be like this?

I spent half of my life here.

There is no room for mistake.

One small oversight

could make a model

disappear from Chinese aviation history.

Thousands of scientists' hard work

for years and even decades,

all went to waste.

Start from the inside.

Insert the pack closure pin.

And remove the temporary lock pin.

And at last,

don't forget about

the pack-locking cord.

Done.

Wei,

I've brought these kids here.

Would you please

have a word with them.

Hello, sir.

This is Taishan.

Code name WS-21.

Thrust to weight ratio of 10.

Supercruise capability.

And a 3D Thrust Vectoring nozzle.

This will be the common power plant system

for third or fourth-generation fighters,

or even more advanced UAVs.

So...

In other words,

it's the cure of the heart diseases of our jet fighters, once and for all.

Let's take a look.

Sir,

What?

Why install

two different engines

on the same aircraft?

Let me explain.

When we test these new engines,

we usually do it

with the mature engines.

This is the international practice.

Once there's a problem

with the new engine,

the mature one

will still take the pilot and the aircraft back safely,

which means we could push the limit as we wish.

But a mature engine

only safeguards

common situations.

From now on, all the tests will be under extreme situations.

High AOA,

Big loop,

we need to do them all.

What we do here is to try to

solve the contradiction between obtaining limit data

and ensuring safety of both pilot and aircraft.

How about installing

an anti-spin chute on testing aircraft?

An anti-spin chute?

Why not just mount a parachute on the aircraft?

That'll be safe enough.

Just imagine how big the chute will be.

Enough already.

You're leaving.

Don't you worry about any of this.

Who's out there?

Look at the time.

Ding is looking for you.

He even called me.

Right away.

Do you want to take a penalty record

back home?

What the hell is this?

Commander.

This is just something I doodled

the other night.

It may be

a bit hard for you to understand.

For me?

Take a look at this.

It might make more sense.

You must know about

the anti-spin chute.

It was only used for

preventing spin.

But actually,

it can be employed in post stall maneuver tests of engines.

We want to get the limit data

and keep the aircraft safe at the same time.

An anti-spin chute

could be the last chance of safeguard.

The pilot, that's the last chance.

I thought you were leaving.

Why spend your time working on this?

And this.

What the hell am I looking at?

Commander.

There's Chinese translation on the back.

Why are you still here?

Go find Ding,

quickly.

Han.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Why are you here,

not home with your wife?

Here's a new design

that the Lei kid came up with it.

There is a big chance

that it will solve the contradiction between obtaining limit data,

and the safety of pilot and aircraft.

One hell of a kid he is.

Focused,

and visionary.

An excellent candidate of the new generation test pilots.

Well.

The 1st generation of test pilots

are flying with courage,

willing to give their life for limit data.

And our generation

is skill-orientated.

We are all about operational skills.

That's why in my opinion

this new generation of test pilots

must be technology experts.

Apart from being good pilots,

they also need to have

solid theoretical aviation knowledge,

and to participate in the development and design of aircrafts.

The cadre assessment is coming up.

Party Committee of the Bureau

recommends you to be the chief pilot.

Me?

Then there's no chance left for these kids.

You got the best score,

the highest points,

who else?

Alright.

I appreciate the trust.

You've all done a good job today.

Attention everyone.

Copy.

Copy.

Copy.

You guys haven't had a day off

since you got here.

Tomorrow is a holiday,

I have a surprise for you guys after landing.

"Come to my house for dumplings tomorrow. I'll cook. Zhang."

I'll ask my dad to set me up with someone.

I've never had a boyfriend before.

You don't need to do that at all.

Listen to me.

Pilots are the best.

They are our country's finest.

Can't be more reassuring than that.

That's right.

They spend all their time up in the air.

There is no time left

to fool around on the ground.

Shen, do you have a boyfriend?

I'm not looking for one now.

In a couple of months,

I'll get transferred back south.

Blindfold operations.

If I make it to 20,

073 will fly above our school.

Hey.

Mum and Dad.

What's your name?

Xiaolong.

When I was born,

073 was flying the model Xiaolong.

What's your name?

Lei Yu.

So you're Lei Yu.

073 says you remind him of himself in his younger age.

My turn now.

I'll show you what I've got.

Ma'am.

How did you meet each other?

It all started in high school.

S that allowed?

High school sweethearts.

That's right.

That's the right way to put it.

And we began long-distance relationship since college.

We wrote to each other every day.

In those years,

I saved every penny

to buy train tickets to visit him.

After graduating from the Academy,

he started the training tours.

So I followed him all over the country.

Spent all my salary on train tickets.

The tickets from back then

stacked up a box this big.

Let me...

Let me officially introduce,

Jiang Yuzhen,

my wife,

and my most honorable wing man.

Hello, Ma'am.

Well.

I'll make a toast to you guys.

No way.

It has to be the other way around.

I propose.

Let's make a toast

to this wonderful couple.

As always.

One. Two. Three.

Bottoms up.

Ok, now enjoy yourselves.

Cool.

Shen Tianran.

Let's have a drink.

Thanks for last time.

You're welcome.

Don't mention it.

It's normal, for someone who just touched the electric switch.

I totally understand.

I'm gonna be honest with you guys.

When I was young,

I was pretty chicken, too.

I got afraid.

And I once wanted to eject as well.

This was my old commander,

Lu.

You guys remember him, right?

Commander Lu.

Right.

The first time he instructed me to fly an aggressive maneuver,

I threw up all my breakfast

into my mask.

I was freaked out.

No kidding,

all I thought about was ejection,

but I panicked,

so I failed to reach the handle.

You were better than him.

You reached the handle.

We've come a long way

to where we are today.

Back in the days,

the foreign countries pulled their experts out,

our aircrafts on the production line

turned into scrap metal overnight.

And then came the tech blockade,

yet we still managed to build good aircrafts

on our own no matter what,

right?

That's right.

Commander.

Let's have a toast.

Come on.

I really hope that you can at least think about my proposal.

You're leaving, Lei Yu.

Stop worrying about anything.

Come on.

To Lei Yu.

Safe trip.

Bottoms up.

Xia Pengfei.

Well done.

It seems that

Commander will be the chief pilot.

Of course.

No surprise.

I wouldn't be so sure.

It all comes down to this discipline.

Deng,

there's still chance.

Sir,

Good morning, sir.

Commander.

Sit down.

Permission to come in.

Come in.

Find somewhere to sit.

What is he doing here?

Today we'll start to test

post stall maneuver performance

of thrust vectoring engine.

And the probable risk of

ingression of hot exhaust gas from missiles,

also known as the smoke swallowing test.

That falls under

category 1.

Once the test is completed,

the Taishan engine

will be installed in our stealth fighter.

Perfect.

Commander.

I'm ready.

Let me go.

Today I'm going to

take Lei Yu

to do it.

Lei Yu?

I've flown with mature engine in over 30 missions.

I'm more experienced than him.

I agree.

I think Deng Fang is the better one for this.

Besides, isn't he leaving?

High risks

mean high points.

The chief pilot...

Commander,

you are not worrying about

me competing for chief pilot against you, are you?

I don't need to be the one who succeed,

I just want to be the one who contribute.

I don't care about being the chief pilot.

I just want to test out our jets.

In the last couple of weeks

he was grounded.

But he did a lot of research

in his own time.

Today's test is

engine post-stall maneuver.

He's the best candidate.

Lei Yu.

Yes, sir.

Get ready now.

Yes, sir.

I thought you were leaving.

One last mission today.

Alright.

I made it myself.

I heard

that you pack the parachutes very well now.

I packed the one for today.

Loot at the weather here.

How nice is it.

Perfect day to fly.

Unlike the south.

Too much rain,

and not many chances to fly.

We put our new engine in today.

Would you like to give it a try?

70 degree AOA

Climb with the maximum rate.

Copy that.

Still got the skills, huh?

How are you feeling?

Awesome.

Putting in a good engine for an aircraft,

is like adding wings

to a tiger.

The front line is all waiting for the wings.

That's right.

073 has arrived the designated area.

Engine states?

Engine parameters normal.

Prepare to launch.

Copy.

Launch.

Copy.

Check aircraft status.

Engine normal.

Aircraft normal.

Second missile.

Prepare to launch.

Copy.

Launch.

Copy.

Check aircraft status.

Engine normal.

Aircraft normal.

Third missile.

Prepare to launch.

Copy.

Warning.

Left engine over temperature.

Command.

Engine abnormal.

Watch out, checks.

Engine parameters abnormal.

Left engine fire.

Left engine fire.

073

Report your status.

Extinguish unsuccessful.

When the left engine swallowed smoke,

there was an engine surge and fire.

Failed to extinguish the fire.

Altitude 8,000.

Speed 400.

65 klicks to the base.

Warning.

Right engine over temperature.

Warning.

Right engine over temperature.

Retard right engine to IDLE.

Copy.

Right engine fire.

Both engines failed.

Shut down the engines.

073

Take critical actions.

Get ready to eject.

Report your location.

Prepare to eject.

I'm flying above the city here.

There's one more missile on the aircraft.

Oh no,

the aircraft is on fire.

Take the data card out.

You eject first.

No.

We'll do it together.

You haven't put pigtails on me yet.

Protect the data.

That's an order.

We have to do it together.

Ok.

Together.

Copy.

Set.

Ready.

Three.

Two.

One.

Now.

Zhang, you big liar.

073 Eject immediately!

There is a large area of residential buildings.

I am almost over uninhabited area.

It's commander...

Are you still flying?

What?

073 Eject immediately!

Arrived at uninhabited area.

Prepare to eject.

Malfunction. Malfunction. Malfunction.

Malfunction.

Malfunction.

Tell my family and friends that

I love you all.

I can't make it back,

you guys carry on.

Dad.

Mum.

My love, I...

"Zhang, home for dinner?"

Calling commander.

Do we cancel the flight?

It's not your job to rescue.

You still have one more mission scheduled.

Clear the way.

Gurney coming through.

Don't let Yuzhen get too close.

Hemostats.

Got it.

Honey.

I've had two category 1 disciplines today.

Both went very well.

Everybody applauded when I landed.

Honey.

I just landed.

Don't worry.

I just landed.

I'll go pick up our son from school today.

I want to have dumplings today.

Honey.

How I wish you don't ever need to read this letter.

Over the years,

you took

211 train rides,

a total 50813 km to see me.

He started the training tours,

so I followed him all over the country.

From the east to the west,

from the south to the north.

Thanks for everything you did for me.

I haven't made time to shoot our wedding photos.

Haven't taken our parents to visit Beijing.

Haven't played soccer with our son.

What I owe you can only be paid in my next life.

My Son,

I really wish I could have flown over your school before I left.

It is truly a regret.

And I hope

you will find your passion.

I was pretty chicken, too, when I was young.

I wanted to quit, too.

But I believe that

real passion

can make the impossible

possible.

No matter how hard it is

Hang in there

Just hang in there.

And one last thing,

don't tell my parents about my death.

Just say

that I'm on a top secret mission,

It's gonna take a while.

They can hardly get in touch with me.

Tell them I'm all fine.

I wish that

I can still be your loyal wing man. in my next life.

Guard you by your side.

Honey.

I just landed.

Don't worry.

Let's keep at it for another decade.

Deal.

Goodbye, my love

Zhang.

Where is Zhang?

Dad.

Where is him?

Actually, Zhang had already withdrew

from the selection of the chief pilot,

and gave his spot for you guys.

He believed that

you guys are more suited to fly the high-tech aircrafts,

and that you need the

motivation of success and glory

more than he does.

We have made the decision.

Deng Fang is the chief pilot.

Lei Yu.

Zhang gave me your petition

and asked me

not to hand it in.

He believed that you had the potential.

Can I still stay here?

You have a long way ahead.

Please give me one more chance.

I've seen death.

We all have three lives.

Golden Helmet.

Did you get it in a scooter race?

You need to know everything about your aircraft

the way you do about your own body.

From now on,

you'll protect your flight data

the same way you protect your family.

Lei Yu.

It's me.

Shen Tianran.

Lei Yu.

Mum.

Why didn't you tell us what happened?

If the army didn't call your father and me,

we would still be kept in the dark.

Since you joined the army,

you never talked.

You two should have a chat.

Let's eat.

You come home with me right away.

I've made arrangements to find you a job.

Back then,

I wanted you to study abroad.

But you had to become a pilot.

Look at you now.

Dad.

I can't stop.

How could you carry on flying

with an injury like this?

You can fix a car by the road.

But how could you fix a plane

in the middle of the clouds?

Mum.

My commander died.

But the flight test isn't over yet.

If I quit flying,

they won't be able to complete the mission.

Son.

Let's not fight today.

I have a background in engineering, too.

When the western countries

had the atomic bomb,

and the computers,

we were still struggling to get our stomach full.

That's too big a gap.

Do you really believe that it is possible

to build our own stealth fighter?

Dad.

Over the past hundred years,

what Chinese people have lost

isn't just dignity,

but also confidence.

What the last generation has lost,

my generation will take it back.

Aircraft engines,

or stealth fighter jets,

all is possible.

Good.

Lei Yu.

Go be a hero as you wish.

But have you ever think about your mother?

Just think about

how she sleeps every night!

Mum.

Dad.

My toast to you.

I'm not a good son.

I'm sorry.

Let's go.

In the coming weeks,

sandstorms are expected

in the northwest of China.

The maximum wind force can reach nine or above.

All departments should be prepared.

If you want to fly, fly.

Just watch out for the weathers.

Please tell my family

and my friends,

I love you all.

I can't make it back.

You guys carry on.

Don't you worry about it.

We promise to deliver

the best stealth fighters.

"We remember those who dedicated.”

"We honor those who devoted."

I've always wanted to beat others.

In the end the biggest rival

is always myself.

I'm still test pilot 082

of the Flight Test Bureau.

Lei Yu

Shuke

Welcome back.

Shuke, go, go, go.

Come on.

How are you feeling?

I'm feeling OK.

I got some feel of g-load.

It's nothing.

Carry on.

Push the stick.

Push the stick.

Flame out and maximum push.

Flame out and maximum push.

Check rudder and deviation.

Check rudder and deviation.

Recover and deploy parachute.

Recover and deploy parachute.

I'm not feeling so good about this.

This is a 24/7 monitor.

Just wear it

for a few days.

Thanks.

The computer simulated test of anti-spin chute completed,

we may start vehicle-borne test.

Once the test succeeds,

it can be installed on the aircraft.

I'll test it myself.

Chute deployment unsuccessful.

"How've you been lately? Come for a checkup when you have time."

Chute deployment successful.

Chute jettison unsuccessful.

Let's go.

Help him.

Come on.

You scared us.

Chute jettison successful.

Hi.

I've come to take the monitor back.

Alright. Just come in.

Give me a minute.

Here.

Are you still feeling pain in the shoulder?

Not so much, no.

Scar is the medal for a real man.

When will you be transferred back south?

I won't.

I won't leave this.

The cause of the accident has been cleared.

Missile hot wake is high temperature exhaust gas.

Once it passed through the inlet,

inlet distortion happened.

And led to a surge

and violent vibration.

Blades rotating at high speeds broke abruptly

and penetrated the case,

which caused the fire.

We've changed the design

and improved engine surge margin.

In the meantime,

we've conducted multiple ground tests.

So far,

no issues are detected.

An aircraft itself is a holistic system.

It's like coding,

Fixing one bug,

might end up damaging the entire system

and lead to more bugs.

This makes it

way too risky

to do test flights again.

Understood.

But

stealth fighters

is a new thing

for Chinese people.

Even the developed countries

have to work together on it.

But we,

we are on our own.

We are beset with challenges.

And there is only one way out.

That is to carry on with the flight tests.

How could 1?

How could I send my men up there,

risking their lives?

Han.

We have to follow Zhang's flight path

and repeat it.

That's the best plan.

Follow Zhang Ting's flight path

and repeat it.

Sir,

I don't think that's enough.

Speak up.

We must increase the fault recurrence probability

to ensure the engine breath in sufficient smoke.

This is the only way

to fully test the limit performance of the engine

and every single blade.

If the malfunction did not recur,

it means our improvement worked.

We'd rather have our aircraft crashed on the testing field

than being shot down in the battlefield.

Who's up for this?

I'll do it.

It's not your private jet.

Let me go.

I flew it before.

I know what happened last time.

Lei Yu

I will fly with you in the rear cockpit.

Let me go.

I'm the chief pilot.

I promise to follow instructions of the front cockpit unconditionally

to assist Lei Yu

and complete the mission.

Wow, a general?

This was my grandfather.

I had a dream about my dad last night.

That year,

he was patrolling the front line.

And lost his life due to mechanical failure.

They didn't even find the aircraft.

I don't even have one photo with him.

All I have from him is this necklace.

It's an award he won when he was studying abroad.

He said that

only the best pilot

could wear it.

It keeps me company,

like my wing man.

I always want to be the best pilot,

so my dad would be proud of me.

Do you think that

maybe I wouldn't have lost him,

if we had better jets?

You father,

he was a hero.

Hero.

It's such a burden.

I will test the best aircraft,

so the pilots at the front line

could fly with no worries,

and get back home

to their kids.

Aircraft inspection complete.

Pilot boarding.

Let's go.

081 Standby.

082 Request to take off.

Permission to take off.

Arriving at testing field.

082, clear to start.

Prepare to launch.

Copy.

Launch.

Report Engine Status.

Engine normal.

Second missile prepare to launch.

Launch.

Report Engine Status.

Engine normal.

Third missile prepare to launch.

Launch.

Report Engine Status.

Copy.

Engine normal.

Command.

All missiles fired.

No errors detected.

All departments,

check your parameters,

and report your status.

AO system normal.

Engine normal.

Prepare for post stall maneuver test.

Prepare to enter spin.

Copy.

Three sixty.

Two turns.

Three turns.

Inlet distortion.

Engine flame out in any seconds,

prepare for air start.

Copy.

Four turns.

Get ready to recover.

Copy.

Engine down.

Airstart.

Environment control system abnormal.

Temperature dropping rapidly.

081

Report your status.

082

Report your status.

081 Do you copy?

082 Do you copy?

Deng Fang.

Lei Yu.

Give me live visual.

082 encountered bird strike.

Rear cockpit incapacitated.

Unable to recover.

Request to deploy anti-spin chute.

Deploy the chute.

Recovered.

Engine restart success.

Jettison the chute.

Chute jettison unsuccessful.

[t won't come off.

Emergency jettison.

Still not working.

Open air brake.

Airbrake opened.

Continue emergency jettison.

Emergency jettison failed.

Airbrake damaged.

We are losing Deng.

082

Eject immediately.

082

Eject!

Deng Fang.

Deng, wake up.

Every life matters.

We all have family.

No one wants to die.

But you are a soldier.

Sir, the plane is in AB.

082, what are you doing?

Rupturing the chute cord.

Maximum push.

You need to know the aircraft

the same way you know your own body.

Even with your eyes closed, there will be no mistakes.

Warning, warning.

Deng Fang.

Rear cockpit.

Back to consciousness.

Command.

Engine normal.

Aircraft normal.

Taishan has succeeded!

Ready to RTB.

Did you hear that?

Everyone is cheering for you.

Great job.

The base is ready

to welcome you home.

Command.

Fire department standby.

Aviation medical support standby.

First - aid gets ready.

Deng Fang.

Deng Fang.

What I've owed you,

I can pay you back now.

You are the best rival.

And the best buddy.

Deng Fang.

Well done.

Attention!

Sir,

all assembled.

Orders, please.

To get the stealth fighters

ready for combat,

you test pilots

will take the lead

in the combat unit

and join the military exercise.

This operation is not only

a multi-service actual combat operation orientated exercise

after the latest military reform,

but also a strong message to hostile forces

who try to intrude into our territory.

Are you ready?

Fully commitment to the mission.

Go.

Sir.

Four Foreign Combat Units detected.

They are approaching our drill zone.

Please command.

01, 02, Foreign Combat Units approaching our exercise zone.

Jets out immediately.

01 Copy.

02 Copy.

This is China Air Force.

You are now entering the drill zone.

Change your course immediately.

Otherwise you will be considered an enemy,

and will be intercepted.

We will come and go whenever we want.

Don't take it too easy.

That's their latest fighter jet.

They've left the exercise zone.

It's 4 against 2 now.

It's on!

Command.

Foreign aircraft stroke.

We are striking back.

Strike them down.

Warning.

Enemy missile.

Missile Approaching.

Command,

two drones splashed.

3 o'clock.

02 Let me help.

Ever heard of Chinese Kong Fu?

You're locked.

You're locked.

Damn it.

Go go go.

Target locked.

Request to fire.

Foreign military plane has fled out of our exercise zone.

Keep watching.

Act in self-defense upon order.

This is China Air force on guard.

Anyone who invades China's airspace,

will be resolutely shot down.

81192 Do you copy?

81192 Do you copy?

Eject immediately.

There are crowds below, I'll hold.

I am almost over uninhabited area.

Left wing fluttered and broke.

I can't make it back.

Eject now!

Please tell my girlfriend

that I love her.

Dear brothers,

I can't make it back.

Please take care of my parents.

Dad,

Mum,

I'm sorry.

Please tell my wife,

I can't make it back.

Name my son Bayi (August 1).

81192 Do you copy?

81192

Copy.

I can't make it back.

You guys carry on.

I can't make it back.

You guys carry on.

10

I'm your wing man.

073

Do you copy?

073 is back.

I'm your wing man 073.

Do you copy?

You are in a new aviation territory.

I'll keep you safe during your flight.

10 Copy.

Return immediately.