In October 1964 , the Chinese government decided to design and build its first high-speed , high-altitude interceptor fighter jet , later named the Shenyang J-8 . Huang Zhiqian was appointed its chief designer , with Gu serving as his deputy . After Huang died in the Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705 crash in 1965 , Gu succeeded him as chief designer . The project was delayed by the outbreak of the Cultural Revolution 1966 , but the J-8 completed its maiden flight on 5 July 1969 , which is considered another milestone in the development of China 's aviation industry . In November 1985 , the J-8 project won the Special Prize of the State Science and Technology Progress Award , and Gu was named as the first recipient
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705
Gu Songfen