All language subtitles for Born.to.Fly.2023.WEBRip-VK

- Catch this.
- Okay.

Got it.

Excuse me.

- Here.
- Thank you.

Watch out! Sonic boom!

01, two enemy aircraft are entering waters
under China's jurisdiction.

Intercept and evict. Over.

Let's see what we've 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?

Goddamn it!

You are locked.

- You are locked.
- Fox 2. Come on!

Failed to lock.

Failed to lock.

I've got your back.

One circle.

Enemy tracking.

Warning. You are locked.

Target, five o'clock.

Here I come!

- You are locked.
- He's on my tail.

Break left!

01, watch out.
Those are fourth-generation fighters.

So what?

- You are locked.
- Shit!

Warning. You are locked on.

Warning. You are locked on. Warning.

Go!

Come on!

Target locked. Request to open fire.

- Engine flameout.
- The engine has flamed out!

- Aircraft emergency. Get ready.
- Copy that.

Failed to lock.

Shit. I'll be back.

Leizi, hold the stick.

I'll lead you back.

Engine flameout.

Engine is on fire.

Engine is on fire!

Engine is on fire.

01, shut down the engine and check the EPU.

EPU green. Preparing for a forced landing.

Altitude, 8,000. IAS, 400.

60 klicks to base.

01, get ready to eject.

It's too far away.
I'll still need a taxi to get back.

Don't worry. We'll make it back.

With the current glide
ratio, that will be 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 is 10 klicks
to base. Get ready for rescue.

01, report your status.

Altitude, 1,800. IAS, 400.
9 klicks to base.

01, lower the landing gear.

Not yet. It's too early now.
In another 15 seconds.

You can't wait anymore.

01!

Do you copy, 01? 01!

01, electrical power
cuts out in ten seconds.

Lower the gear immediately.
That's an order.

Activating standby power.

01, I can see you already.

Steady the course.

The drogue chute likely won't open.

Apply emergency braking upon landing.

Chute deployment unsuccessful.

Drogue chute is not working.

Emergency brake!

That's how you can recognize a test pilot.

Speed limit. AOA limit.

Engine overheating. Engine RPM runaway.

Lei Yu, you exceeded the operational
envelope in flight for an extended period.

In the preliminary assessment,
the aircraft did not malfunction.

You were at fault.

Those were fourth-generation stealth
fighters, a whole generation ahead of us.

How could I win without reaching the limit?

If you took advantage of
our level maneuvering characteristics,

you would still have a chance.

How do I do that without a good engine?

Based on our experts' investigation,

there are no design or manufacturing
defects in this batch of aircraft.

They're ready for test flights again.

Lei Yu knows all the parameters very well
and has a solid theoretical foundation.

He flew the aircraft with accurate operations
and saved the aircraft from crashing.

That was supposed to be rewarded.

But if he had lowered the landing gear
just 1.8 seconds earlier,

the aircraft could have been safer.

With such an engine,
how can we put up a good fight?

The enemy's fourth-generation stealth fighters
have intruded into our waters multiple times.

Our jets are still third generation.

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

in fourth generations
against third generations.

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 similar stealth fighter jets
all around us.

They're trying to make us cave in.

How is the Taishan engine coming along?

Sir, it's at its most crucial point.

All is going well. We
promise to finish on time.

Surrounded by enemy forces,

we need to drop our killer weapon
as soon as possible.

Lei Yu, you were rewarded
again, weren't you?

I got the news from the unit.

Hey, Mom. Are you and Dad doing okay?

What do you think?

We always stay 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.
- I have to go, Mom.

Leizi, let me introduce you.

My senior from the academy,

an expert panel member and
a top-notch test pilot, Zhang Ting.

He came here to steal my talents.
His heart is set on you.

- Zhang Ting.
- Lei Yu.

Let me explain. The Flight Test Bureau
is now recruiting.

We would like you to join us.

I think I'll pass.

Flight testing is at the home base.
I prefer the front line.

He's our top pilot.

He just got himself a Golden Helmet.

He has a promising career.

You need to listen to me.
Just forget about it.

This kid likes to surf.

Pushing the limit is his thing.

Don't you want to fly...

a stealth fighter jet?

A stealth fighter?

Stealth shape, composite material,

intelligent handling, supercruise,
and a good engine.

Is that possible for us?

Do you know what is the biggest secret
of China's atomic bomb?

It's that it was made.

You went head-to-head
with enemy stealth fighters before.

But ours?

You haven't seen it.

But you will when you are a test pilot.

[Military Restricted Area]

It's different from the South, isn't it?

Yes. This is such a barren land.

We have good aircraft,
some of which you've never seen before.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

You've been practicing for six months now.
Is that the best you've got?

Work harder. When you make it to 20,
073 will fly over our school.

Are you training for the circus again?

Do you want to be Messi? Dream on!

Go away.

It's okay to take a peep.
Just pretend to be blindfolded.

That's cheating.

That aircraft isn't going to crash, is it?

Sandstorm.

Sit tight.

- Where?
- Over there.

What am I looking at?

It's 073.

How do you know?

When my dad doesn't come home the night
before, he pulls neat tricks the next day.

Let me see.

Who is the pilot?

Commander Zhang, the guy who recruited you.

He has flown in all kinds of weather
conditions and over 20 types of aircraft.

The fighter jets that he has tested
could equip three ace divisions.

I just want you to come back in one piece.

Don't worry.

Goodbye.

You are... Lei Yu, right?

Yingjun.

Well, thank you.

My name is Gao Yingjun.

J-7 pilot from the First TC.

- Lei Yu, Second TC.
- I know. I've heard so much about you.

- I'll get that.
- All right.

You have one more on your face.

It's all there.

I'm going to fly all of them.

Here we are.

Is everybody in the same room?

This isn't freshman year.

Pass the examination first.
The ones that stay get singles.

What's more, there are only seven spots.

Five.

Five spots left for you,
as far as the two of us are concerned.

In recent days, unidentified aircraft have
entered waters under China's jurisdiction.

- China Air Force took immediate action.
- Shoot the assholes down!

We hereby reiterate
that we are determined to defend...

This is your bed.

The one folding his
underwear is Xia Pengfei.

I know him. Golden Helmet and Golden Dart.

The one next to him is
Li Xiaohang, his wingman.

The one wearing a tank is Tong Gan.
He has a Golden Dart.

- What about you?
- What about me?

What do you have?

I got Golfer's elbow.

It hurt like hell.

Stand up.

You son of a...

Quit messing around.

You have company from your TC.

Are you from the Second TC?

- Hi, I'm Jia Shengli.
- Lei Yu.

My son kept me up all night.
Just let me get some sleep.

Go on.

Look. Who have we got here?

Someone who lost to me.

I beat him for the Golden Helmet,
but he refused to salute me.

That's pretty shiny.

Deng, don't you have three of those?

Can we all take a look?

That's right. Show us.

Three Golden Helmets.

That's really impressive.

Watch out for Deng Fang.

He has three Golden Helmets.

That's because I wasn't there.

You beat him this time,

but he wouldn't concede and even accused you
of cheating by rigging the electronic system.

He didn't salute you.

Assemble!

Come back here.

Is it your zodiac year?

Yes.

- It's pretty festive.
- My mom bought the underpants for me.

Go.

Yes, sir!

Dress right!

Eyes front!

Time.

Nine seconds too slow.

You really need to practice
your daily routines.

- Did you hear me?
- Yes, sir!

I'm Zhang Ting, the commander of
Fighter Squadron 1, Flight Test Bureau.

Call sign, 073.

Director Han Junhao will speak now.

This is a great time for you.

There are so many advanced
aircraft for you to test.

Test pilots are dancing on the edge
of a razor. That is true 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 free of worries.

The first battle is the final battle.

The first battle is the final battle!

Starting tomorrow, each and every
one of you must pass three tests.

The physical test, conversion training,
and aviation theories.

The lowest scorers will be eliminated.

Only seven people among you can remain.

The ones that do stay
can fly our latest stealth fighters

and even have a chance
to become the future chief pilot.

No matter how good you used to be
or what you have achieved,

now that you are here,
you all start from zero.

Are we clear?

Yes, sir!

I'm the examiner of your physical test,
Dr. Shen Tianran.

Assemble.

Deng Fang.

Yes, ma'am.

Lei Yu.

Yes, ma'am.

You two are up first. Start now.

Step forward.

[Physical Test]

This subject mainly assesses

a pilot's handling ability under stress
at extreme altitudes.

The air you breathe contains only 20%
of the normal oxygen level.

You have five minutes to complete 100
problems. You only get one chance.

If you don't feel well,
you can stop at any time.

- Understood?
- Understood.

Let's get started.

Incorrect.

Incorrect.

RPM full. Oxygen saturation, 15%.

Lateral load factor, 5.2 g.

Blackout imminent.

[Test Over]

Lei Yu, 98.

Deng Fang, 96.

The restroom is over there.

Why do you want to be a test pilot?

I want to test the limits of our models

so that our frontline buddies
can fly without limits.

I want to perfect our stealth fighter
and get it to the front line for revenge.

[Tolerance Test]

Test pilots are like these new jets.

They need to be tested
under extreme conditions.

To test the limits of new 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 can hang on
at the most vital moment.

And this is what the
tolerance test is all about.

Operation failed.

[Blindfold Operations]

Your hands and butt are
the best sensors you have.

Turn precise operation into muscle memory.

Even with your eyes closed,
you can't make mistakes.

Lei Yu, test failed.

Crash. Failed.

- Let me go again.
- Do you have an extra life?

Get out.

Operation successful.

Deng Fang, test successful.

[Psychological Evaluation]

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.

Everyone else failed the tests.
Only you passed.

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 the aircraft
like the back of your hand.

From now on,

you must protect your flight data
the same way you protect your family.

Go practice more.

Air Force.

This is China Air Force.

This is China Air Force.

It's "Air Force".

This is China Air Force.

Who are you 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 belong to China.

China!

So does the accent.

Go to sleep now.

Lei Yu. Shengli.

In the test today, did you see the dog?

Was there a dog?

The dog was right after the crows.

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

In what way?

A dog bit me when I was a kid,
so I'm scared of them.

That's not fair. I'm scared of dogs too.

Were you bitten too?

No, the dog is my
girlfriend's zodiac animal.

I forgot to apply a mask again.
What a night.

- Don't get nightmares.
- Don't you dare.

Woof.

How old are you?

Frontline pilots fly in what is called
the practical envelope.

The theoretical envelope is calculated
by aircraft designers.

It's the limit envelope.

This is the zone in which test pilots
usually conduct flight tests.

We not only test the performance limits but
also try to avoid all possible malfunctions

and report any design defects
to scientific research departments.

This ensures that our frontline pilots
have carefree handling.

Aircraft cannot be fully designed.
They have to be flown.

That makes you designers
and engineers that can fly.

That's all for today. Feel
free to ask questions.

- Sir.
- Yes, go ahead.

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 the
aircraft has design flaws.

We are lucky that he persisted.

A test pilot's job is to
fault these new fighters.

No flaw 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 sport a pigtail.

It was just a joke.
There's no need to take it seriously.

A bet is a bet.

I need to set an example for them.

Look at this.

This is the data you brought back.

I can't help but wonder

how you always understand
what we designers were thinking.

I wonder too.

After so many years, you're still
writing formulas on cigarette boxes.

You've been doing it for four decades now.

Are you still smoking?

All right.

Let's keep at it for another decade.

Deal.

Yes?

There's something else I want to ask you.

Go ahead.

When can we solve the problems
regarding the engines?

Anytime now.

When I'm not busy, I'll take you
for a shave and maybe dye your hair.

- Really?
- You will look younger.

Our predecessors,
seniors, and dear buddies.

Today, I've brought these kids here
to pay their respects.

From now on, they can also come
to visit you every now and then.

[China's Fallen Test Pilots Memorial]

Let's put out the food and wine.

[Dad, I Miss You]

The red strap on this treasure
that you left me broke...

I replaced it with a leather one.
Isn't it cool?

Listen. It's working very well.

I really miss you.

Lu Zhengyuan.

My commander.

Whenever I couldn't outspeak him,

I would laugh at the
ringworm on his big toenail.

On the day of the crash,

the two of them were charred stuck together
and completely unrecognizable.

So I got in the dirt and kept digging.

Finally, I found half of his foot
with the ringworm on it.

He had squinty eyes,

but he survived five
mid-air engine shutdowns.

He made me wear pigtails three times.

Unfortunately, I can never get back at him.

[Ding Qiguo]

The envelope of our fighter jets
were tested inch by inch...

[Xue Chengcai]

With their lives.

In the last 70 years,

every 17 minutes,
a dangerous situation has happened.

If you're scared,

it's not too late to leave.

I've been eliminated.

Guys, I've let you down.

Shengli, don't worry.

Wait for us to finish testing
these new jets so you can fly them.

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 Yingjun.

- Xia Pengfei.
- Li Xiaohang.

Tong Gan.

Congratulations, everyone.

You are now the new generation
of fighter jet test pilots.

Flight testing is a
different kind of battle.

It has a direct impact
on the outcome of war.

Today, confronting the technology blockade

and the containment strategy
of foreign countries,

we are left with no
other choice but to win.

All that's missing is a good engine.

It's as smooth as skin.

Pilots, 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 is a battle
for our country's dignity and security.

Do you 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 altitude.

It's a difficult task with high risks.

Who is up?

High risk, high points.

Commander, here.

- Commander, here.
- I want to do it.

I've done it once.

I want to give it a try if it's possible.

Commander Zhang, here.

There are 19 missions and 26 disciplines.

There are three risk levels,
high, medium, and low.

Higher risks yield higher points.

Why can't I fly the stealth fighter?

Deng scored a bit higher than you
in the conversion training.

Commander.

But I'm better at aviation theory.
And I've dealt with emergencies before.

There will be plenty of opportunities.
Give it a rest.

Sir, the takeoff precheck is complete.
Ready for boarding.

Awesome.

It's definitely not the
same after the conversion.

You'll see.

I remember this from the academy.

Variable stability aircraft modified
from K8, also known as Sky Magician.

It's a literal testbed aircraft.

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.

Check the instruments.

Fuel indicator normal.

Airspeed indicator normal.
Altimeter normal.

Pressure indicator normal.

Data transmission normal.

Left and right ailerons normal.

Elevators normal. Rudders normal.

Who says a tractor can't beat a Ferrari?

Well, let's see what happens.

Show me what you can do with this tractor.

082, check complete. Request to take off.

082, cleared for takeoff.

Arrived at the test area. Let's do it.

In-flight check.

Again?

You used to fly aircraft
with mature engines.

These are test models.
It won't hurt to take extra precautions.

Check complete.

Execute according to plan.

- Let's do it.
- Copy.

98.

- 99.
- Stop.

What's the test point today?

- 98.
- I'm going to tell you one more time.

Today's discipline is how to resist spin
under 98 degrees AOA

with a tri-neutral control technique.

98 degrees is the test point.
Do not push it further.

The limit came from actual flights.

Warning. Stall.

Entering 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 flameout.

The engine has flamed out. I'll restart.

Air start unsuccessful.

Air start unsuccessful.

Let go. Hand it over to me.

- No altitude.
- Air start unsuccessful.

Let's eject.

Steady. Don't panic.

Engine flameout.

- Commander, eject!
- Engine flameout.

Air start unsuccessful.

Air start unsuccessful.

Air start unsuccessful.

Air start successful.

073, report your status.

073, ready to return to base.

- Send someone to find the kid now.
- Copy.

Let the flight surgeon check you out.

I'm fine.

- Did anyone find that kid?
- They're already looking. Don't worry.

Examine the recorder right away.
See if we can rescue some data.

Copy that.

Here.

[When will you be back?]
[Will you be 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 makes my legs sore.
I can't even catch up with the lambs.

Just sell the lamb.

A couch will cost hundreds of dollars.

Is it 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 mm.

You just touched the outlet after all.
You surely feel out of sorts.

We all understand.

What outlet?

Knowing an electrical
outlet will shock you,

you still want to feel it for yourself
and test the limits.

We call flight tests touching
the electrical outlet.

Go pack your things.

Then go to the hospital with me
for a thorough checkup.

There's no need. I don't need a checkup.

You have to. That's the rule here.

I need to write a report
on whether 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.

- Leizi still isn't back, is he?
- No.

He didn't stick to protocol, did he?

That's no excuse for an ejection.

The decision complies with regulations.
There's nothing wrong with that.

- Leizi.
- How are you doing? Let me see.

What's that smell?

It's new. For good luck.

Take it.

Keep it for yourself.

Don't be a jerk.

For a mediocre pilot,
you have a bad temper.

What did you just say?

What?

- Stop!
- Stop it!

Commander! The commander is here!

The commander is here!

I'm here to announce the decisions.

Due to the failed operation today,

all tests on the variable stability
aircraft are postponed for five days.

Then the whole schedule
will be delayed as well.

Starting tomorrow, Lei Yu is grounded.

Why? Just for ejection?

The odds of an inverted spin and engine flameout
happening simultaneously is 1 in 10,000.

I did nothing wrong ejecting.

The commander flew back though.

I just wanted to get the limit data.

It's empty.

There's nothing wrong with saving
your own life in case of emergency.

But why did you panic?

You had more than enough time
to activate the protection device.

Your ejection severely damaged
the on board equipment.

All data was lost.

We basically risked our lives for nothing.

[Forging Swords for the Country,
Chasing Dreams in the Sky]

Every life matters.

We all have a 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 in this segment
affects the stealth fighter deployment,

we're the worst offenders!

With excellent design of
the engine and control surfaces,

it doesn't require high-G maneuvers

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 of fighters must possess.

Go and get ready. We're
about to start this test.

- Copy.
- Copy.

Dismissed.

- Permission to come in.
- Come in.

What is he doing here?

Commander, this is my
petition to transfer back.

Sure. I'll report it right away.

So you're quitting, are you?

Are you leaving?

Do you guys need anything else?

Go now.

The transfer won't happen immediately.

Before you go, I'll give you another task.

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

No pilot has lost flight data
for an ejection like you did.

Where do I hang my used parachute?

Take it to the abandoned parachute room.

[Abandoned Parachute Room]

All of these hanging here
are decorated chutes,

including chutes from fighters,
bombers, and airlifters.

These decorated chutes

witnessed the development
of our country's aviation equipment.

What kind of chute is this?

An anti-spin chute.

Like a giant hand reaching out from the sky,
it can pull the aircraft out of a spin.

This is an old version.
New fighters don't need them anymore.

My surname is Ding. You can call me Ding.

Before you transfer back,
spend some time packing with me.

[Decorated Parachute WX-1290]

[On April 20th, 2008, this anti-spin chute

[recovered a test aircraft
from a tailspin and engine fire.]

[The aircraft returned safely.]

- Why is a pilot packing parachutes here?
- He must have screwed up.

Lei.

Go smooth out the chute cords first.

All right.

Packing chutes is delicate work.
You can't rush it.

Hands, eyes, and mind.

No distractions.

Hu.

Come here.

This is the Model 18 parachute,
which has 28 chute cords in total.

We need to pack them in order.

First, we need to find the number
14 chute cord with the orange tag.

Then we fold them one by one to number one.

Start from number 15 on the right
all the way to number 28.

The tips of all the chute cords must align.

All the edges at the same.

Otherwise, the speed of the chute opening
will be affected.

Come here.

Where did he go?

Look at you, all bored.

One parachute, one pilot's life.

If you were packing your own parachute,
would you still be so impatient?

I spent half of my life here.
There is no room for error.

One small oversight

could make a model disappear
from Chinese aviation history.

Thousands of scientists' hard work
over the years or even decades

could all go to waste.

Start from the inside.

Insert the pack closure pin.

And remove the temporary lock pin.

And lastly, don't forget
about the pack-locking cord.

Done.

Mr. Wei.

Would you please have
a word with these kids?

- Hello, sir.
- Hello, Mr. Wei.

This is Taishan. Code name WS-21.

Thrust to weight ratio of 10.

It has supercruise capability
and a 3D thrust vectoring nozzle.

This will be the common powerplant system

for third and fourth-generation fighters
or even more advanced UAVs.

In other words, it's the cure
for our jet fighters' engine problem.

- Take a look.
- Awesome.

- Mr. Wei.
- What is it?

Why install two different engines
on the same aircraft?

Let me explain.

When we test these new engines,
we usually do it along with mature engines.

This is an international practice.

If there is a problem with the new engine,

the mature one can still take the pilot
and the aircraft back safely.

That means we can push
the limit as we wish.

But a mature engine
only safeguards common situations.

All tests moving forward
will be under extreme situations.

Be it high AOA or large maneuvers,
we need to do them all.

What we're doing here is figuring out
how to obtain limit data

while ensuring the safety
of both pilot and aircraft.

How about installing an anti-spin chute...

on a testing aircraft?

An anti-spin chute?

Why not just mount a parachute on the
aircraft? That will be safe enough.

Just imagine how big the chute will be.

- What?
- Enough already.

You're leaving soon.
Don't worry about this.

Who is it?

Look at the time!

Ding is looking for you. He even called me!

Right away.

Do you want to take a demerit back home?

What the heck is this?

Commander, these are just doodles
from 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 to prevent spin.

But actually, it can be used in
post-stall maneuver tests of engines.

We want to get the limit data
while keeping the aircraft safe.

An anti-spin chute could
be the last safeguard.

The pilot is the last safeguard.

I thought you were leaving.
Why did you work on this?

And there's this.

What the heck am I looking at?

Commander, there's a Chinese translation
on the back.

Why are you still here?

Go and see Ding!

Han.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Why are you here? Go home to your wife.

This is a new design that
the Lei kid came up with.

There is a big chance that it will solve
the conundrum of obtaining limit data

while ensuring the safety
of the pilot and aircraft.

He's one hell of a kid.
He's focused and visionary.

An excellent candidate for
the new generation of test pilots.

Well, the first generation of test pilots
flew with courage,

giving their lives 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 a solid theoretical aviation knowledge

and participate in the development
and design of aircraft.

The cadre assessment is coming up.

The bureau's Party Committee
recommends you to be the chief pilot.

Me?

Then the kids will have no chance.

You got the best score, the highest points.
Who else could it be?

All right. I appreciate their faith in me.

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 after landing.

[Come to my house tomorrow.
I'm making dumplings. 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.
Isn't that reassuring?

That's right.

They spend all their time in the air. They
don't have time to fool around on the ground.

Shen, do you have a boyfriend?

I'm not looking. In a few months,
I'll get transferred back to the South.

Blindfold operations?

If I make it to 20, 073
will fly above our school.

Hello, Mom 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
when he was young.

It's 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.

Was that allowed?

High school sweethearts.

That's right. That's
the right way to put it.

We began a long-distance
relationship in college.

We wrote to each other daily.

In those years,

I saved every penny
to buy train tickets to visit him.

After he graduated, he started the training
tours, so I followed him all over the country.

I spent all my salary on train tickets.

The tickets from back then
could be stacked up in a box this big.

Let me make a formal introduction.

Jiang Yuzhen, my wife
and my most honorable wingman.

Hello, ma'am.

Here, I'll make a toast to you guys.

No way.

It has to be the other way around.

I propose we make a toast
to this wonderful couple.

As always. One, two, three.

Bottoms up!

Okay, now enjoy yourselves.

All right!

- Here.
- Dig in.

Shen Tianran, let's have a drink.
Thank you for last time.

You're welcome. Don't mention it.

It's normal after touching the outlet.
I totally understand.

I'm going to be honest.

When I was young, I was cowardly too.

I got afraid too.

I once wanted to eject as well.

This was my old commander, Lu.

- Do you remember him?
- Commander Lu.

That's right.

The first time he led me
on an aggressive maneuver,

I threw up my breakfast into my mask.

I freaked out. I'm not kidding.

All I thought about was ejection,

but I panicked and failed
to reach the handle.

You were better than him.
You reached the handle.

We've come a long way to
get to where we are today.

Back in the day,
foreign countries pulled their experts out.

Our aircraft in production
turned into scrap metal overnight.

Then came the technology blockade,

yet we've still managed
to build good aircraft on our own, right?

- Yes.
- That's right.

Commander.

- Let's have a toast.
- Come on.

I really hope that you can seriously
consider my proposal.

You're leaving, Lei Yu.
Stop worrying about it.

Come on. To Lei Yu.
Have a safe trip. Bottoms up!

Xia Pengfei.

Well done.

It seems that the 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 is still a chance.

- Sir.
- Good morning, sir.

- Commander.
- Sit down.

- Permission to enter.
- Come in.

Find somewhere to sit.

What is he doing here?

Today, we'll start testing

the post-stall maneuver performance
of a thrust vectoring engine

and the probable risk of ingression
of hot exhaust gas from missiles.

It's also known as the
smoke swallowing test.

The risk falls under Category 1.

Once the test is completed,

the Taishan engine will be installed
in our stealth fighter.

All right.

Commander, I'm ready.

Let me go.

Today, I'm going to take Lei Yu to do it.

- Lei Yu?
- Lei Yu?

I've flown with mature engines in over 30
missions. I'm more experienced than him.

I agree. I think Deng
Fang is the better choice.

Besides, isn't he leaving?

High risks mean high points.

The chief pilot...

Commander, don't tell me you're worried
about me competing for chief pilot.

I don't need to be the one who succeeds.

I want to be the one who contributes.

I don't care about
becoming the chief pilot.

I just want to test out our jets.

In the last couple of
weeks, Lei Yu was grounded.

But he did a lot of
research in his own time.

Today's test is an engine
post-stall maneuver.

He's the best candidate.

Lei Yu.

Yes, sir.

Get ready now.

Yes, sir.

I thought you were leaving.

I have one last mission today.

All right.

I made it myself.

I heard you're pretty good
at packing parachutes now.

I packed the one for today.

Look at the weather here. It's so nice.

It's the perfect day to fly.

It's not like the South
where it rains too much,

leaving not many chances to fly.

We put our new engine in today.
Would you like to give it a try?

70 degrees AOA. Climb
with the maximum rate.

Copy that.

You still have the skills.

How are you feeling?

Awesome!

Putting a good engine on an aircraft
is like adding wings to a tiger!

The front line is waiting for these wings.

That's right!

073 has arrived at the designated area.

Engine status?

Engine parameters are 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 overheating.
- Command, engine abnormal.

Watch out, check.

Engine parameters are abnormal.

Left engine fire.

Left engine fire.

073, report your status.

Extinguish unsuccessful.

Left engine swallowed smoke,
then engine surge and fire.

Extinguish failed.

Altitude, 8,000. Speed, 400.

65 klicks to base.

Warning. Right engine overheating.

- Retard right engine to idle.
- Copy.

Right engine fire.

Double engine failure.

Shut down the engines.

073, take critical actions.

Be prepared to eject.

Report your location. Prepare to eject.

I'm flying above the city here.

There's one more missile on board.

Bad news! A plane 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 eject together!

Okay. Together.

Copy.

Set.

Ready.

Three, two,

one, eject!

Zhang, you big liar!

073, eject immediately!

There is a large stretch
of residential buildings.

I'm almost over the uninhabited area.

The commander is in trouble.
Are you still flying?

What?

073, eject immediately!

Arrived at the uninhabited area.

Preparing to eject.

Malfunction.

Malfunction.

Malfunction.

Tell...

Tell my family and friends,

"I love you all."

I can't make it back.

"You guys carry on."

Dad,

Mom, son, I...

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 pick up our son from school today.

I want to have dumplings for lunch today.

Honey, how I wish you won't
ever need to read this letter.

Over the years,

you've taken 211 train rides,
a total of 50,813 km to see me.

He started the training tours
as soon as he graduated,

so I followed him all over the country.

From east to west, and from south to north.

Thank you for everything you did for me.

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

I haven't taken our
parents to visit Beijing.

I haven't played soccer with our son.

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

Son, I really wish
I could have flown over your school.

It is truly a regret.

And I hope you will find your passion.

When I was young, I was cowardly too.

I wanted to quit too.

But I believe that true passion
can make the impossible possible.

No matter how hard it is, persist.

Just hang in there.

Lastly, don't tell my
parents about my death.

Just say that I'm on a top-secret mission.

It's going to take a
while and I'm unreachable.

Tell them I'm fine.

In my next life,

I hope that I can still be your
loyal wingman and watch over you.

Honey, I just landed. Don't worry.

- Let's keep at it for another decade.
- Deal.

Goodbye.

Zhang.

Where is Zhang?

Dad!

Where is he?

[Fallen Hero Zhang Ting]

Zhang had actually already withdrawn
from the selection of chief pilot.

He gave up the spot for you guys.

He believed that you guys are more suited
to fly future high-tech aircraft

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 road ahead.

Please give me one more chance.

I've seen death.

We all have three lives.

Were your Golden Helmets
won in a scooter race?

You need to know the aircraft
like the back of your hand.

From now on, you must
protect your flight data

the same way you protect your family.

Lei Yu.

It's me, Shen Tianran.

Lei Yu.

Mom?

Why didn't you tell us what happened?

If the army didn't call me and your dad,
we would still be kept in the dark.

Since you joined the army,
you two haven't talked.

You two should have a chat.

Let's eat.

Come home with me right away.

I've found a job for you.

Back then, I wanted you to study abroad.

But you insisted on becoming a pilot.

Look at you now.

Dad.

I can't stop.

How can you carry on flying?

How can 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 sky?

Mom.

My commander died.

But the flight testing isn't over yet.

If I quit flying,

the mission will be incomplete.

Son, let's not fight today.

I have a background in engineering too.

When the Western countries
had the atomic bomb and computers,

we were still struggling
to fill our stomachs.

That's too big a gap.

Do you really believe that it is possible
to build our own stealth fighter?

Dad.

In the past century,

the Chinese people have lost
more than just dignity.

They have also lost confidence.

My generation will take back
what the last generation lost.

Be it aircraft engines or stealth
fighter jets, all is possible.

Good.

Lei Yu,

go be a hero as you wish.

But have you ever thought about your mom?

Just think about how
she sleeps every night!

How she...

Mom.

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 Category 9 or above.

All departments should be prepared.

If you want to fly, fly.
Just watch out for the weather.

[Fallen Hero Zhang Ting]

Tell my family and
friends, "I love you all."

"I can't make it back. You guys carry on."

Rest assured.

We promise to deliver the
best stealth fighters.

[We Remember the Dedicated]
[We Honor the Devoted]

I've always wanted to beat others.

In the end, my biggest
rival is always myself.

I'm still test pilot 082 of
the Flight Test Bureau, Lei Yu.

Shuke, welcome back.

- Shuke, go!
- Go!

- Come on.
- How are you feeling?

I'm okay.

I feel the G-force.

It's nothing. Carry on.

Push the stick.

Push the stick.

Flame out and maximum push.

Flame out and maximum push.

Check the rudder and deviation.

Check the rudder and deviation.

- Recover and deploy parachute.
- Recover and deploy parachute.

[Cleared to Fly]
[Authorized by Shen Tianran]

[Cleared to Fly, Flight Test Bureau]

I'm still worried.

This is a 24-hour monitor.
Just wear it for a few days.

Thank you.

The computer-simulated test
of the anti-spin chute is complete.

We may start the vehicle-borne test.

Once the test succeeds,
it can be installed on the aircraft.

I want to test it myself.

Chute deployment unsuccessful.

[How have you been lately?
Come for a checkup when you're free.]

Chute deployment successful.

Chute jettison unsuccessful.

Go!

- Rescue him!
- Come on!

Damn! You scared us!

Chute jettison successful.

Hi.

I'm here to get the monitor.

All right. Come in and have a seat.

Give me a minute.

Here.

Does your shoulder still hurt?

No.

Scars are medals for a real man.

When will you be transferred
back to the South?

I won't. I can't abandon this either.

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.

That led to a surge and violent vibration.

Turbine blades rotating at high speeds
broke abruptly and penetrated the case,

which caused the fire.

We've changed the design
and improved the engine surge margin.

In the meantime,
we've conducted multiple ground tests.

So far, no issues have been detected.

The 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...

This makes it way too risky
to do test flights again.

I understand.

However, stealth fighters are
a new thing for Chinese people.

Even countries with developed aviation
industries have to work together on them.

And us?

We are on our own.

We are beset with challenges.

There is only one way out.

That is flight testing.

How can I?

How can I send my men up
there to risk their lives?

Han.

We have to follow Zhang's flight path
and repeat it.

That's the best flight test plan.

Follow Zhang Ting's flight path...

and repeat it.

Sir, I don't think that's enough.

Go on.

We must increase the fault
recurrence probability

to ensure the engine
takes in sufficient smoke.

This is the only way
to fully test the limit performance

of the engine and every single blade.

If the malfunction does not reoccur,
it means our improvement worked.

We would rather have our aircraft crash
on the testing field

than be shot down on the battlefield.

Who is up for this?

I'll do it.

- It's not your private jet.
- Let me go.

I flew it last time. I know what happened.

Lei Yu, I'll be your co-pilot.

Let me do it.

I'm the chief pilot.

I promise to follow
instructions unconditionally

to assist Lei Yu and complete the mission.

A general?

This is my grandpa.

I had a dream about my dad last night.

Years ago,

he was patrolling the front line and lost
his life due to a 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 wingman.

I always want to be the best pilot
so that he can be proud of me.

Do you think...

that maybe I wouldn't have lost him...

if we had better jets?

Your dad was a hero.

Hero?

Heroes pay too high a price.

I will test the best aircraft...

so the pilots at the front line
can fly with no worries

and get back home safely...

to their kids.

Aircraft inspection complete.
Pilots may board.

Let's go.

081 on standby.

082, request to take off.

Clear for takeoff.

Arrived at the test area.

082, clear to start.

Prepare for the first launch.

Copy.

Launch.

Report engine status.

Engine normal.

Prepare to launch the second missile.

Launch.

Report engine status.

Engine normal.

Prepare to launch the third missile.

Launch.

Report engine status.

Copy.

Engine normal.

Command, three 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
flameout any second now.

Prepare for air start.

Copy!

Four turns.

Get ready to recover.

Copy.

- Engine down.
- Air start.

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!

Deng Fang!

Lei Yu.

Give me a live visual!

082 encountered a bird strike!

Rear cockpit incapacitated!
Unable to recover!

Request to deploy anti-spin chute!

Deploy the chute.

[Chute Deployment Switch]

Recovered.

Engine restart successful.

- Jettison the chute.
- Jettison the chute.

- Chute jettison unsuccessful.
- It won't come off!

Emergency jettison.

It's still not working!

Open airbrake.

Airbrake opened.

Continue emergency jettison!

Emergency jettison failed.
Airbrake damaged.

We are losing Deng.

082, eject immediately.

082, eject immediately!

- Deng Fang.
- Deng Fang, wake up!

Every life matters.

We all have a family!

No one wants to die.

But you're a soldier.

Sir, the plane is diving
with the afterburner.

082, what are you doing?

Rupturing the chute cord!

Maximum thrust.

You need to know the aircraft
like the back of your hand.

Even with your eyes closed,
you can't make mistakes.

Terrain.

Terrain.

Deng Fang!

Rear cockpit.

Regained consciousness.

Command, engine normal.

Aircraft normal.

Taishan has succeeded!

Ready to return to base.

Lei Yu, did you hear that?

Everyone is cheering for you.

Great job!

The base is ready to welcome you home.

Command, fire department on standby.

Medical support on standby.

Medics, keep up!

Deng Fang.

Deng Fang.

What I've owed you,

I can give you now.

You are my best rival.

And the best ally.

- Deng Fang!
- Deng Fang!

- Good job!
- Well done!

- You guys were awesome!
- Deng Fang!

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 it's also a strong
message to hostile forces

who try to intrude into our territory.

Are you ready?

- We're fully committed to the mission!
- We're fully committed to the mission!

Go.

Sir, four foreign combat units detected
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 can 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 four against two now.
- It's on.

Command, foreign aircraft fired at me.
I'm striking back.

Strike them down.

Warning. Enemy missile.

Missile approaching.

[Ready]

Command, two UAVs down.

Two hostiles at three o'clock!

02, let me help.

Ever heard of Chinese kung fu?

- You are locked.
- Shit!

You are locked.

- Goddamn it! Go!
- You are locked.

Target locked. Request to fire.

The hostiles have fled. Keep an eye out.

Act in self-defense upon order.

This is China Air Force on guard.

Anyone who invades China's airspace
will be resolutely shot down.

[Born to Fly]

81192, do you copy?

81192, do you copy?

Eject immediately.

There are crowds below. I'll hold.

I'm almost over the uninhabited area.

Left wing fluttered and broke.
I can't make it back.

Eject now!

Please tell my girlfriend
that I'll always love her.

Dear brothers, I can't make it back.

Please take care of my parents.

Dad, Mom, I'm sorry.

Please tell my wife that
I can't make it back.

Name my son Bayi.

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.

Calling 10.

I'm your wingman, 073.

Do you copy?

073 is back.

I'm your wingman, 073.

Do you copy?

You are in a new aviation territory.

I'll keep you safe during your flight.

10, copy. Please return immediately.