On June 3, a renowned aircraft aerodynamicist and academician passed away in Beijing. He was a 1951 alumnus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In recent days, faculty and students at his alma mater have been holding memorial activities to deeply mourn their fellow alumnus.

A memorial ceremony was held in the exhibition hall dedicated to him on the third floor of the School of Mechanical Engineering. Faculty and students, holding flowers, stood in silent tribute and bowed deeply to honor the aviation giant who dedicated his life to building wings for the nation.

In the lobby of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a photo from 2009 shows him giving the first lecture of the semester to students in the civil aircraft design special class. Nearby, a model of the fighter jet he led the development of was displayed, along with a series of books on large aircraft publication projects that he served as chief editor for, with contributions from faculty. Faculty and students either wrote down their thoughts or folded paper airplanes to express their remembrance.

A doctoral student from the Institute of Aeroengine Research at the School of Mechanical Engineering said, looking back at his life, faced with the weak foundation of China’s aviation industry, he harbored the ambition of serving the nation through aviation and persevered to overcome difficulties. He led the development of a series of fighter jets, driving cross-generational upgrades in China’s aviation weaponry, and forged a spiritual benchmark for the era with his dedicated life. The best way to honor him is to carry on his legacy. “As doctoral students in the field of aeroengine research, we will take the torch from our predecessors, be pragmatic and innovative, dedicate ourselves to scientific research, and tackle core challenges to contribute our youthful strength to developing a more powerful ‘Chinese heart.'”

Students from the innovation center’s model aircraft team release a paper model of the fighter jet to commemorate their fellow alumnus.

During his student years, the alumnus was a member of the university’s model aircraft team, and in 2011, he even wrote a warm message for the team’s members. To carry on his ambition of serving the nation through aviation and honor his spirit, 16 members of the model aircraft team lined up and released a handcrafted paper model of the fighter jet, attaching their messages of remembrance, longing for the sky, and dedication to aviation to its wings, bidding farewell to their senior who protected the nation’s skies.

“I remember in my freshman year, when participating in an aircraft design competition, I heard about the earnest advice and encouragement he sent to our team through others. In 2021, the school held an exhibition on his life story. As a student representative, I gave a speech and was moved by his story of personally flying into the sky to investigate problems despite difficulties. Since then, I have set my ambition on aerospace and serving the nation,” said a doctoral student from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The alumnus always had the nation, the sky, and the younger generation in his heart, and he was a mentor and guide for many aerospace students.

The university stated that he dedicated his entire life to the nation and soared in the skies forever. He constantly inspires and guides all faculty and students to strengthen their ideals and beliefs, work diligently, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), founded in 1896, is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Originally established as the Nanyang Public School, it has a rich history of cultivating leaders in engineering, science, and technology. Today, SJTU is a leading research university, renowned for its contributions to innovation and academic excellence.

School of Mechanical Engineering

The School of Mechanical Engineering is an academic institution dedicated to the study and advancement of mechanical systems, design, and manufacturing. Its history often traces back to the Industrial Revolution, evolving from early workshops and technical schools into modern, research-intensive departments that drive innovation in robotics, energy, and transportation. Today, it serves as a foundational pillar for engineering education, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on application to solve real-world challenges.

School of Aeronautics and Astronautics

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is an academic institution dedicated to education and research in aerospace engineering, often part of a larger university such as Purdue University. Established in the mid-20th century, it has played a key role in advancing aviation and space exploration, producing many renowned engineers and astronauts. Its history reflects the broader development of aerospace science, from early aircraft design to modern spacecraft and satellite technology.

Institute of Aeroengine Research

The Institute of Aeroengine Research is a specialized facility in China dedicated to the development and testing of aircraft engines. Established during the mid-20th century as part of the country’s push to advance its aerospace capabilities, it has since played a key role in designing and refining engines for both military and civilian aircraft. The institute remains a cornerstone of China’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in aeroengine technology.