If you want to cheer for the C919, you must first get to know the Y-10

Opening with the international attention sparked by the C919's commercial maiden flight, the article delves into the historical breaks and spiritual legacy of China's large aircraft development. By visiting the COMAC base, the author focuses on the Y-10 prototype, which rests quietly there, recounting its tragic story of being born at the wrong time. Initiated in the 1970s, the Y-10 achieved internationally advanced performance standards at the time, with a domestic component rate exceeding 96%. However, due to political turmoil, wavering decision-making, and the temptation of cooperation with McDonnell Douglas, the project was forced to be cancelled in the early 1980s, leaving only two prototypes. This failure not only caused China to miss the opportunity to develop in sync with Airbus but also left a profound lesson: "it is better to buy than to build." Today, the birth of the C919 marks the resurgence of China's aviation industry. Although its market competitiveness still needs verification, its symbolic significance lies in breaking the monopoly of Boeing and Airbus and stimulating market vitality. The remains of the Y-10 serve as a spiritual museum, constantly reminding future generations: there is no shortcut to developing large aircraft. Only through self-reliance and an unwavering refusal to give up can one break through technological peaks and achieve the leap from following to running alongside, and eventually leading.