September.10 (China Defense Mashup Reporting by Johnathan Weng) — Liang Shoupan (梁守槃), the father Chinese famous YJ-8 anti-ship missile, passed away in Beijing at the age of 93 on September 5, 2009. Liang Shoupan is a well-known technological expert and one of the pioneers China’s missile and space technology area. Liang Shoupan is usually esteemed as one of founders of Chinese Advanced Anti-ship missile family.

Liang Shoupan, photoed in 1980s 

Liang Shoupan was born in April 1916 in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. In June 1937 he graduated from Tsinghua University, and in 1938 he went to the United States to study aeronautical engineering in MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) then received a master’s degree. In 1940, he returned to China.

YJ-8 Anti-ship Missile

After the foundation of People’s Republic of China, Liang was once worked in the aero-engine factory, Zhejiang University and Harbin Military Engineering Faculty. In 1956, he was transferred to Fifth Research Institute under the Ministry of Defense. He served as research director of the engine R&D department, chief designer of designing department under 1st branch institute and Director of Engine Development Institute. When he was aged and retired, he became a senior technology consultant for Chinese Industries.

In 1984 the 35th anniversary of New China National Day military parade, when China’s anti-ship missile phalanx gone through Tiananmen Square, foreign military officers who visiting the ceremony on stage at once exclaimed “Exocet, Exocet Missile from China.” This so-called “Exocet” missile is actually Chinese YJ-8 anti-ship missile, whose chief designer is Liang Shoupan. 

YJ-83 Anti-ship Missile

Yj-8 anti-ship missiles are the latest generation of China at that time. Liang was also the chief designer of famous YJ-83 anti-ship missile, which is still the main armament of some Chinese Navy large warships. After his retirement, Liang’s designing work was succeeded Mr. Huang Ruisong (黄锐松).