Machine-side Dialogue | Two Generations of Sofo Designers: Inheriting Legacy and Innovating for the Blue Sky
Time:2026-04-13

The wind from the apron, carrying the unyielding dedication of aviation professionals, gently swept over the sleek SF20V aircraft. This two-seat hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing plane, independently developed by SoFu Aviation, stood quietly in a corner of the airport. Its silver-gray fuselage shimmered with delicate luster under the interplay of light and shadow, embodying both the craftsmanship honed by years of experience and the cutting-edge innovation of technological evolution.

Whenever this happens, Wu Tengfei, Chief Technology Officer of Suofu Aviation, always stands beside Chief Expert Advisor Zhu Junjian at the aircraft. The elderly and the young—two generations of aviation designers—share no barriers of identity or temporal distance. Whenever they discuss the SF20V or delve into every detail of aircraft design, their conversations spark endless discussions and unwavering dedication. This compact aircraft serves as the most vivid stage for heritage preservation and innovation, where every exchange ignites brilliant sparks in Suofu's dream of blue skies.

Zhu Junjian's fingertips always gently caress the skin of the SF20V fuselage, where the touch conceals decades of dedication and passion for aviation design. As a veteran aircraft designer, he has witnessed China's aviation industry from its arduous beginnings to steady progress. He once used rudimentary tools to simulate formulas, meticulously refining every structural detail on blueprints, embedding the original ethos of "rigorous pragmatism and relentless pursuit of excellence" into every design and calibration. "Look at these fuselage lines—they must balance aerodynamic rationality while maintaining safety redundancy standards, allowing no room for negligence," he often told Wu Tengfei, his tone carrying both the guidance of a senior and the expectations for the younger generation.

This legacy has always been etched in Wu Tengfei's heart. As a representative of the new generation of aviation professionals, he embodies both the steadfast dedication of veteran aviation pioneers and the innovative spirit of bold experimentation and breakthroughs. Standing beside the cockpit of the SF20V, he effortlessly articulates the ingenious design details: "Professor Zhu, building on your emphasis on safety, we optimized the synergy efficiency of the hybrid fuel-electric system, significantly enhancing range capabilities. We also integrated an intelligent voice operating system for more intuitive and intelligent controls." His words reflect unwavering commitment to technological innovation while demonstrating profound respect for predecessors' expertise—every upgrade to the SF20V serves as both a tribute to heritage and a testament to innovation.

Their dialogue is never one-sided but a two-way exchange. Zhu Junjian brings the wisdom of veteran designers to guide Wu Tengfei in addressing design oversights—such as flight control system stability and airframe wind resistance. These time-tested principles form the foundation for SF20V's steady progress. In turn, Wu Tengfei contributes modern technological insights, collaborating with Zhu on cutting-edge innovations like digital modeling and intelligent flight control systems. This fusion of traditional design expertise and contemporary technology breathes new life into SF20V's development.

Some say that the development of the aviation industry is a relay race spanning the ages. At Safran, this relay race has no finish line, only the steadfast commitment and continuous iteration passed down through generations. The generation led by Zhu Junjian laid the foundation for China's aviation industry from scratch, dedicating their lives to the original aspiration of "serving the nation through aviation" and imprinting the indomitable spirit of "never giving up" deeply into the blood of aviation professionals. The generation led by Wu Tengfei took up the baton from their predecessors, using innovation as wings to delve into the forefront of technology, addressing the core pain points of the industry—short endurance and high costs—thus enabling the SF20V to transition from R&D validation to its maiden public flight and turning Safran's dream of blue skies into reality.

The wind rose again, stirring the wings of the SF20V and the hair of two generations of designers. Zhu Junjian gazed at the aircraft, his eyes brimming with satisfaction: "Your generation has embraced a golden era and shouldered new responsibilities. The SF20V stands as your finest testament." Wu Tengfei smiled in response: "Without your dedication and the perseverance of the older generation, we wouldn't have achieved today's breakthroughs. We will carry forward this legacy and keep soaring toward even greater heights."

 

From every stroke on the blueprints to the graceful presence on the tarmac; from the silent dedication of the older generation to the bold innovation of the new generation, the SF20V is not only the core product of Safran Aviation's strategy for the low-altitude economy, but also a testament to the original aspirations and mission of two generations of aviation designers. Its wings bear the craftsmanship of the older generation, carry the innovation of the new generation, and conceal Safran's sincere commitment to "building good aircraft for China's people."

 

Inheritance is the unchanging original aspiration and commitment; innovation is the driving force and direction for progress. At Safran, beside the SF20V, the dialogue between two generations of designers continues, and the sparks of inheritance and innovation still bloom. In the future, this steadfast commitment and breakthrough across time will ultimately carry the SF20V and the blue sky dream of Safran people, cutting through the heavens and soaring toward even more distant skies, writing a new chapter in China's low-altitude aviation industry.

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