18TH NOVEMBER 2012
The helicopters flew about like seagulls in the vast sky. Under their blades, the water turned gradually from yellow to dark green, and then to deep blue.
“Liaoning, coming up on the left！”came the navigator's voice through the window port. Luo Yan, Chairman of the Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group Corporation, General Manager and Chief Field Commander of the J-15 carrier-based aircraft research and development looked at the boundless expanse of blueness and saw in the distance a large rectangular box.As their altitude gradually decreased, the contours of the box gradually became visible as the aircraft carrier……Luo Yang stared without blinking at China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and felt a surge of heat from his chest.He had long awaited this feeling, and had felt it building for some time！
The night before, Luo Yang had flown back to city Shenyang from the Ninth International Aviation and Aerospace Exibition in Zhuhai, as the curtain of night fell, a myriad lights greeted his eyes from below.
Luo Yang hadn't been home over a dozen days, and as he left the plane he sent a message to his wife, Wang Xili, to tell her that he had a major operation to oversee that night, and that he would not be returning home. Over the past few years, Ms Wang Xili had grown used to his work, and as soon as she heard the word“operation”，she knew the mission was confidential and that he could not answer any questions about it.Moreover, his message today had used the phrase“implement a major operation”，so knowing not to ask, she simply replied，“Take care！”
Leaving the airport terminal, Luo Yang couldn't help but to shiver. As he left Zhuhai, the temperature was at least 10 degrees above zero, and the scenery overflowing in abundant colours of lush green.Shenyang on the other hand was wintry and iced over, and all around even running water had frozen mid drip into hanging ice.
Xiao Wang, Luo Yang's driver took the overcoat as Luo Yang said to him，“Lets go, directly to the base.”
Wang hesitated a minute, saying，“Sir, you have been away for more than 10 days, don't you want to stop by home first?”
“Not tonight. Tomorrow morning I have to board the ship first thing.”
“I went to pay a visit to your mother a few days ago, she asked when you will be coming back sir, as though you were all of her son！”
For a moment Luo Yang sat and did not respond, and then asked，“She had a cold when I left the last time, is she feeling better now?”
Xiao Wang replied，“More or less, she can handle the stairs now.”
Luo Yang was again silent. Wang knew his boss cared most dearly for his elderly mother.Wang turned the car onto the highway, and saw through the rearview mirror Luo Yang leaning back into his seat, his face heavily fatigued and not long after he heard a light snoring sound coming from the back.He must be truly exhausted.He worried about his boss sometimes, and without realizing, slowed down a little so that his boss could rest a while longer before arriving to the base.
“Xiao Wang, come along now.”Luo Yan's voice came from the back seat.
“It's over one hundred kilometers per hour. You take a rest.”said Xiao Wang casually, hoping his boss wouldn't catch him out.
“Nice try. It can't be more than eighty kilometers per hour.Put your foot down, Zhao Guangya and his team are waiting for us.”replied Luo Yang.
Xiao Wang had no choice but to step down a little harder on the pedal.
Only through immersion can one truly fathom the difficult task at hand, and the boss of a 16000-staff corporation has to immerse himself entirely in his work to achieve great things.
Furthermore, after five years as his boss, and with the task of commanding the development of a number of fleets of new aircraft, Xiao Wang had perceived that men in this position never have enough time in the day, and after two years they lose their smiles, and the hairs thin on their heads.
It was after midnight when Luo Yang arrived, after a non-stop trip to the integrated carrier-based aircraft training base. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation had sent Zhao Guangya, Assistant Chief Designer on the J-15 Ship Security Working Group along with several technicians, who were all awaiting Luo Yang's arrival.Luo Yang had a detailed understanding of the technical status offaircraft preparation, and insisted to inspect the aircraft immediately.
A number of cream-coloured J-15's were parked in the hanger. Luo Yang walked slowly ahead, staring before each fighter jet with soulful and affectionate eyes.In a few days, these“Flying Sharks”will be undertaking their landing mission to touch down on the Liaoning.Only the success of this mission could match the significance of the Liaoning's maiden voyage.
Luo Yang went over everything with Zhao Guangya, and then exclaimed，“I urge you, there cannot be a single fault in this mission.”
At first light on the next morning, Luo Yang was already busy, constantly making phone calls, and managing problems.
After breakfast, he once again checked the conditions of the J-15's, and then sent a report to the China Aviation Industry Chairman Lin Zuoming and its Deputy General Manager Li Yuhai.
By 9：00，Luo Yang was already onboard a helicopter heading towards the Liaoning.
As the helicopter continued to descend, the“giant hulking sea monolith”of the Liaoning suddenly appeared from the left. As the helicopter banked rapidly, Luo Yang felt as though the sea had inverted itself into the sky, and all of the blood in his body rushed upwards to head.
Making more altitude adjustments, the helicopter continued on towards its landing zone, and a few seconds later touched down directly in the centre of the yellow circle of the“No. 1”landing zone.
The stocky figure of Sun Cong, Chief Designer of the J-15's appeared first by the helicopter cabin port. Patting Luo Yang on the shoulder, Sun Con laughed，“Your‘daughters'are about to leave the nest, they are just awaiting their father to join the party！”
Luo Yang replied，“With you in charge, I have nothing to worry about！”
“Without you both, our Chief Designer and Shenyang Corporation's Chief Field Research an Development Commander, there would be no party to begin with！”Came the voice of the Liaoning Flight Test Commander and Naval Deputy Commander General Zhang Yongyi, who could not help but to joke along with them. After the completion offaircraft design, the Field Development Commander is responsible for all production, debugging, assembly and testing.As the central“Administrator”of a mission, the role is responsible for every detail down to the specific installation of individual screws.
Luo Yang and General Zhang Yongyi were old friends. The first time Zhang Yongyi had travelled to Shenyang Corporation for an inspection, the J-15's were still on at the assembly plant.The General had been a former pilot, and as he circled and inspected the planes many times, his face lit up with delight.After asking a number of extremely technical questions, he asked，“Chief Luo, Suppose the Liaoning is a great warrior, then your aircraft would become the sword in our warrior's hands.After the launch oflour warrior to sea, when will you be able to equip it with the sword！”
Luo Yang replied，“We will not hold back the mission, and will finish our mission on time！”The General asked，“Could you accept it as an official order?”Luo Yang replied seriously，“I don't make jokes before a military man！”
And now, meeting the General on the carrier itself, Luo Yang said with exceptional joy，“You see Deputy Commander Zhang, us aviations personnel mean what we say, don't you think?”
“Right you are, too right！Now with the world watching, lets set the stage. This full-scale drama is about to begin！”the General called back with a crisp tone.
19th—21st November
On a classified date of 200……，the Central Government approved the aircraft carrier engineering project. Not long afterwards, the supporting carrier-based aircraft engineering project was also launched in full swing.
In 2007，Luo Yang was appointed as both the Shenyang Aircraft Industry（Group）Co.，Ltd. Chairman of the board of directors and General Manager.The course of history had entrusted the opportunity and the responsibility of the task at hand to both Shenyang Corporation and to Luo Yang himself.
During the J-15“Flying Sharks”production groundbreaking ceremony I remember Luo Yang announcing with much affection to the audience，“……These are no ordinary models, they will be customized and specifically designed as an aircraft carrier-based fighter. China has been waiting for this for one hundred years, and sailors have been anticipating this moment for over half a century.”
Today, the Chinese Communist Party and its people ask of us aviation professional to lift their burden. Facing the urgent need for national defence and military modernization, we must shoulder a strong desire to fulfil our responsibility and our mission, and at the same time we must feel the urgency oflour race against time.
“Shenyang Corporation is the‘first-born'oflour national aviation industry, and like a first-born too, it must courageously carry our burdens and bear the responsibility. Only then can we call Shenyang Corporation the child oflour nation！”
Five years of struggle！
Five years of diligence！
The act of landing an aircraft on a carrier has long been considered as the most important indication of combat effectiveness. After being put into service, carrier-based take-off and landing is the top priority.Generally speaking, take-off and landing includes the“flyby testing”，“simulation landing testing”and then“actual landing”.Before Luo Yang boarded the carrier, the J-15's had already completed thousands of“flyby testing”and“simulation landing testing”，and this time the“actual landing”would commence.
As Shenyang Aircraft Corporation Chief Development Field Commander, Luo Yang had no obligation to board the carrier once the airplanes were completed and handed over to the flight testing centre.
However, Luo Yang worried about his products, just as a mother would for their child.
As landing is the most critical step to the success of the carrier-based aircraft, Luo Yang also wanted to experience landing first hand and close up, so that he would be able to subsequently debug, finalize other designs and gather more production experience.
After boarding, the carrier's Deputy Chief of Aviation Li Xiaoyong took Luo Yang to inspect each post within the Aviation Department onboard, pointing out the different-coloured clothes of all onboard personnel, saying to Luo Yang，“The different colours on these men's helmets, vests and pullovers, and the different symbols and patterns on their backs indicate the different positions and responsibilities. For example, green represents take-off and landing and aircraft maintenance, red represents hazard and safety control, purple represents refueling and so on.Because of the unique environment of the carrier, the onboard personnel and pilots must rely on specialized movements to successfully communicate.During take-off alone there are 65 movements to complete, and any single one of those cannot tolerate the slightest error.”
Li Xiaoyong then took Luo Yang to the surveillance monitoring room. The surveillance recording personnel showed Luo Yang the live feeds recorded during previous J-15“flybys”and“simulated landings”tests：the potent looking J-15's passing by at low altitude, cutting the sea and sky in two with incredible power, and flying into and through the air as they passed over the carrier deck……Watching the J-15's various corresponding requirements for take-off and landing were tested, a rare smile broke out across Luo Yan's face.
Li Xiaoyong commended，“The‘Flying Sharks'have grown into strong young lads；they move with near perfection！”
After his visit to the flight deck, Luo Yang met with the Take-off Area Captain Zhang Naigang and and aircraft flight assistant Chen Xiaoyong.
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is considered the“most dangerous 4. 5 acres in the world.”Correspondingly, the aircraft flight assistant personnel that work on deck are known as the world's bravest.As an aviation expert, Luo Yang knew with absolute clarity the dangers involved whilst a fighter jet was leaving the carrier.If a fighter jet was to shift its trajectory for just an instant during take-off, the massive force of the tail spray produced could blow nearby personnel into the sea, and in the event that the 1，000 degree centigrade exhaust gas would sweep over a human body the consequences would be even more disastrous.
Because of this, the carrier would only select flight deck personnel on a self nominated basis.
Li Xiaoyong told Luo Yang that, when the leaders of the carrier had asked Chen Xiaoyong，“When you consider taking up on this task, did you consider the dangers involved?”Chen Xiaoyong had calmly replied，“I certainly did！Since 1986 until now，26 flight personnel of a certain big power had sacrificed their lives whilst on duty……Moreover, our carrier-based fighters are still in the experimental stages, and there is a greater risk than with foreign counterparts. I am very clear though that choosing this profession allows for a life of expedition and adventure, and a life dedicated to bringing our aircraft carrier into operation！The needs oflour nation will always hold the top priority for the crew oflour aircraft carrier！”
Touched by this, Luo Yang grasped Chen Xiaoyong's hand, and said to him，“You work hard, my young fellow. Thanks to you and all！”
Chen Xiaoyong immediately replied，“No no, Chief Luo, instead we must thank you for delivering to us such high performing aircraft！”
During the next few days, Luo Yang held a small notebook, and within it he would individually and carefully check all monitoring points on the aircraft carrier without missing any system whatsoever, and in the evening he would take part in the coordination meetings of sea trials, and promptly communicate with all participating personnel.
Luo Yang also visited the sea trial commanders and military seatrial representatives, officers and soldiers of the aviation sector, asking them about the requirements for future development of carrier-based aircraft, and also regarding the requirements needed to guarantee the full life cycle of the jets. By doing this, he was putting together the work required for the next instalment of“Flying Sharks”after the current mission succeeded.
November 22nd
After boarding the carrier, Luo Yang occupied room 030207，a narrow little room with only six square meters of floor space.
That night, the sea trial coordination meeting was personally presided over by Deputy Commander General Zhang Yongyi, signifying its importance.
Representatives from the military and local sides came one after another into the meeting room, each only communicating with the other through brief glances. Nobody dared to make a single sound.
As each reporting side was limited to producing a concise report within five minutes, everybody was well prepared.
Zhang Yongyi solemnly listened until the reports were finished. He then stood up and looked over his audience like some great hawk, then saying“At 0900 hours tomorrow, the curtains will lift from our stage, and our performance will begin with the first carrierbased fighter jet taking off.This day, so long awaited by generations offaircraft carrier personnel, is also a day for our navy, and for every one oflour 500，000 aviation personnel！This is also a day long anticipated by the Chinese people！It will be a pivotal moment in history oflour republic.Now, I've said my piece and will just leave you with these few words：our success depends on careful preparation！”
Later that night, Luo Yang was tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.
Deputy Commander Zhang's words were still ringing in his ears……a day for our navy, and for every one oflour 500，000 aviation personnel！
He was right too；three generations of aviation personnel had strived for over half a century, and ventured ever forward, mixing blood and sweat together for this very day. Luo Yan's thoughts drifted, and his imaginations wondered.He remembered the elder General Ye Zhengda, one of the founders and pioneers in the field of Chinese aircraft design.Ye Zhengda was the eldest son of the martyr General Ye Ting, and after the liberation of Northeast China in 1948 the Communist Party Centre sent Ye Zhengda and his younger brother Ye Zhengming, along with Li Peng, Zou Jiahua and the orphans of more than 20 revolutionary martyrs to study in Moscow.Ye Zhengda entered the Moscow Aviation Institute, studying aircraft design and specializing manufacturing processes.
Whilst visiting Moscow in 1950，Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai met with the first group of Chinese students dispatched to study in the Soviet Union at the gala party to celebrate Chinese Spring Festival in the Chinese Embassy, where Chairman Mao asked each student what profession he or she was studying；and learned that amongst them were students of physics, electronics, mechanical engineering and economics.
With a satisfied smile on his face, Chairman Mao said，“Our newly born People's Republic is urgently awaiting your input, and indeed is in urgent need of young talents such as you！”
When Ye Zhengda was introduced to Chairman Mao as the son of General Ye Ting, he quickly took the young man's hand and asked him about his living requirements and field of study, Ye Zhengda proudly replying，“Chairman, I study aircraft design and manufacturing.”“So, you are learning how to manufacture aircrafts?Excellent, excellent！In the near future we will make aircrafts oflour own.”Chairman Mao seemed very happy. Ye Zhengda took out a notebook he had pre-prepared, and asked，“Chairman, may I please ask that you write down some of your thoughts?”Chairman Mao happily agreed, and wrote in the notebook，“Here's to constructing a strong Chinese air force.”
In 1955，Ye Zhengda graduated with full honours from Moscow Aviation Institute and immediately entered into the PRC's aviation construction industry. He participated in the design work of China's first internally designed and manufactured military jet-propelled aircraft, the Shenyang JJ-1，and engaged in the design and leadership of China's domestic military aircraft for many years.
Luo Yang especially went to visit General Ye Zhengda in hospital whilst on a trip to Beijing during the 2012 PLA Founding Celebrations. Despite being dressed in a hospital gown, the General's back was tight and straight as it had always been, and on seeing Luo Yang he asked with concern in his voice，“How are the‘Flying Sharks'looking?”
Luo Yang told the General，“They have undertaken thousands of take-off and landings, and are currently going through field and simulation testing. The actual landing test has been planned for November.”
The General's face was filled with satisfaction, and he replied，“Through half a century and spanning generations, we aviation personnel have struggled for this very day. Only when a carrier-based aircraft can successfully touch down on our aircraft carrier may we say that the Liaoning is a ship of true substance.”
As he said this, the General grasped Luo Yang's hand, and repeated to him，“The road is long and the burden heavy, the road is long and the burden heavy……”
Through the night sea fog, Luo Yang's thoughts continued on……
He recalled his encounter with several young aviation fanciers a week prior during an airshow in Zhuhai. At that time, Luo Yang was standing by an exhibition of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, and several youths gathered around him.A tall, thin young man asked，“May I ask if you are Luo Yang from Shenyang Aircraft Corporation?”
Luo Yang replied，“Hello, how did you know！”
The tall man，“We have seen many pictures of you on the internet.”After saying this he produced a photograph from the backpack, asking，“Chief Luo, could you please sign your autograph on this?”
Luo Yang signed the photo whilst feeling a bit strange；how come this stranger was carrying around a picture of him?
A chubby young man said next，“There are many photos of you online already, Chief Luo”.
Luo Yang laughed at this, saying jokingly，“Young man, in the past I would have to label you a spy！”
The chubby young man，“Chief Luo, did you know that we watch with much interest the nations aviation industry?”
“Excellent, excellent！Our nation's aviation industry need to have more people taking an interest, and we especially welcome young people to join our ranks.”said Luo Yang.
At this point, several other youths rushed forwards and hurriedly shot questions at Luo Yang.
“Chief Luo, when will the J-15 officially land on the Liaoning?”
“When will the J-15 be able to go up against the US F-18?”
“Chief Luo, we heard that the fourth generation jets are already up in the skies?”
“Chief Luo, how are the development prospects oflour stealth fighters?”
……
Luo Yang answered some of the questions, and for reasons of confidentiality could not answer others.
The thin tall young man again asked，“Chief Luo, how would you evaluate the gap between our national aviation industry and the air power of advanced Western countries?”
Luo Yang thought a while, then said，“If I may, I will borrow the words oflour National Aviation Industry Chairman, Lin Zuoming to answer this question. Chief Lin said that if we consider the fact that in the past the West left us for dead in the air power race, then through this decade of effort we have gained so much ground, so that today we are even competing to overtake our opponents！”
The youths listened with much excitement and vigour, saying，“Chief Luo, we are cheering for you！”“Chief Luo, we wish you success！”Luo Yang felt deep praise for these wonderful young people.
Luo Yang lost the desire to sleep, and instead got out of bed, walked along the corridor, down a ladder and arrived onto the ship bridge.
It had been a long time since he had last gazed up into the night sky he thought to himself, then thinking that indeed the night skies of the cities are often so polluted that there is no night sky gazing to be had at all. That night a round moon half hung in the sky, clear and bright like a waterfall, casting forth a mighty silhouette of the majestic aircraft carrier.Behind him came the sound of quiet footsteps of a rhythm that Luo Yang found familiar.A figure then appeared, and Luo Yang called out，“Sun Cong！”
“What are you doing over here?”Sun Cong came forwards.
“I couldn't sleep, wanted to feel the wind on my face.”
“Nervous, right?”Sun Cong quipped.
“And you?How come you can't sleep?Nervous as well?”Luo Yang chuckled.
“No nerves, just excitement！”Sun Cong corrected.
Luo Yang replied，“Yes, there is no way to feel calm tonight.”
Sun Cong and Luo Yang had an unusual friendship, and people would often joke about the“four similarities”held between them；they were born in the same year；they graduated from the same university—Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics；and even though they were not recruited at the same time into Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, they were indeed working in the same team under the same administration. They guessed to have have developed their deep friendship over more than 30 years.
Although Luo Yang left the Shenyang Institute in 2002 and was appointed as Party Committee Secretary of Shenyang Corporation, a role which he subsequently left to become Shenyang Corporation's Chairman and General Manager in 2007，however, as the head of the division, all tasks were still closely, if not inextricably linked together. Especially during the last five years, whilst Sun Cong was the Chief Designer of the J-15's and Luo Yang the Chief Research and Development Field Commander of the same programme, one was responsible for the design whilst the other for production, and thus their common objectives and mission were linked together by an even stronger bond.
Just as no two leaves share the same shade of green, the men had seemingly completely opposing personalities. Luo Yang was prudent, low-key and introverted, whilst Sun Cong was frank, warm and wise.Luo Yang was often known to say to him，“Sun Cong, if you design it, we will build it.”whilst Sun Cong was most afraid of Luo Yan's invitations over the phone to“sit down and have a meal together”；this usually implied that some aspect or detail of the design was conflicting with the production method, and the invitation was Luo Yan's subtle way of implying it be modified.
After a while, Sun Cong grew familiar with Luo Yan's temperament, and would continue to receive his calls, replying，“You are my senior, and I am your junior, how can a big brother treat his little brother for a meal！Of course I will treat you this time, this time it's on me！”Sometimes Luo Yang would change tactic, and get straight to the point with“Sun Cong, such and such aspect absolutely needs to be overhauled, and in any case you are so wise that you will come up with the solution！”
At some point during his thoughts the moon had disappeared above a layer of clouds, and several stars were now twinkling in the sky directly above him.
“Although I have never been in battle, I have indeed felt the bugle calls of battle, and now know the feelings a soldier would feel as he lay in the trench……”Sun Cong said, as though to himself.
“The feeling of excitement, of eagerness, and the confidence of victory，”Luo Yang replied.
“However, this is no ordinary battle！”Sun Cong said, baring the palms of his hands as he spoke.
“Yes and so we feel both the desire and the huge pressure for victory，”Luo Yang said with passion.
Shhhh……Shhhh Shhhh……Shhhh
It must have been high tide, as they could hear the sound of waves slapping against the side of the ship, emitting forth a sound that somehow heightened the excitement of the two men.
23rd—24th November
The skies had just cleared of snows, and now glowed with morning light. The Liaoning cleaved its way through the waves as it sailed on towards its predetermined destination.
Luo Yang and a number of aviation experts on board had already arrived at the external railing on the third storey of the bridge earlier on. At this location, they were only 30 to 40 meters away from the flight deck runway.
Luo Yang felt as though when he sat his college entrance examinations, though this time he was filling out the answer sheet as a representative of the 500，000 aviation personnel of China. He couldn't help but to feel the nerves……
A voice rang out from the flight tower broadcasting unit.“Attention all personnel. Test Pilot Number 3，flying Flight Number 333 J-15，take off at[not disclosed]hours, landing ETA at[not disclosed]hours.”
And so, the curtains opened on the stage that was the Liaoning aircraft carrier, and the drama of China's first carrier-based fighter jet take-off and landing was to begin. It had been called the“dance on a knife-edge”，and indeed it was to be performed on a razors edge；an aircraft travelling at high speed must accurately touch down on the rear deck of the runway, decelerating between four resistance cables, each separated by a distance of only[not-disclosed]meters, with the entire effective area of landing only[not disclosed]meters.
The flight deck officers and each station of different personnel had all assumed their positions. The scene was not hectic or unorganized, but it was visible on the faces of the officers and the men that everyone was feeling an invisible tension.
The fighter pilot of the drama was not just a“dancer”，but more accurately a“warrior”.
The selection process of the first group of test pilots was even more stringent than the conditions required for an astronaut；they were required to be under the age of 35，had flown more than five model offaircraft, flown over 1，000 hours in total and over 500 hours in the third generation model, and in addition were required to undertake group exercises and training routines and complete major drills and maneuvers.
After the navy had taken delivery of the first J-15，Shenyang Corporation sent out a maintenance team to service the aircraft and provide on-going maintenance. As Luo Yang often visited the base, he gathered information from the air force Commanders and test pilots 03，05，07，09，11 and other experimental fighter pilots about the usage and condition of the airplanes.
Flying with high speed at low altitude, the pilots would have to cut their speed and effectively stall, and after touch down, the first landing would be achieved by utilizing the ship's onboard technology and equipment. Although the test pilots faced the dual pressures of risk inherent in the technology and safety hazards, they would rush again and again at the challenge, pushing to the very limit.
Once Luo Yang had travelled to the base to conduct some research, and had arrived just in time to test the“cable-catch”experiment.
Test Pilot Number 3 fired up the engines, and taxied forwards, then accelerating up to 200km/h. At that time the airport was not open, and debris accumulated on each side of the runway had not been cleared.If the experiment failed, the aircraft was to leave the runway and there would be an immediate threat to safety.
To ensure the test went ahead safely, Command decided to lift the front wheels off the ground as the aircraft rolled forwards, and then perform the“catch”using a two hook cable method. During the experiment, Test Pilot Number 3 pushed the button down, and a tail hook lowered from the aircraft underbelly, catching the cable.
In an instant, blood rushed up into the pilot's head and his sight blurred, as if he was suddenly decelerated into a huge“cotton wall”. Quickly regaining consciousness, he awoke shortly to find that the aircraft had stopped on the runway.The land based“cable catch”method had been successful！
In order to complete this experiment, Test Pilot Number 3 had already pushed himself to the psychological limit countless times.
Luo Yang felt strong admiration towards the personnel, telling them，“We have not only produced this aircraft carrier ourselves, many oflour experimental pilots have risked their lives to fly for us.”
“Attention personnel：Flight 333 ready for landing.”
The flight broadcasting tower rang again……
Luo Yang put his hands on the railing and looked out to his right, carefully listening instead of looking out, he heard from the distance a familiar deep roar, and a dark object appeared on the horizon, moving towards the aircraft carrier. As though recognizing the familiar face of his own child, he knew immediately that it was a“Flying Shark”.
The roar grew louder, and the agile figure of the“Flying Shark”grew clear. It circled the ship once, then twice, then lowered its landing gear and tail hook.Test Pilot Number 3 skilfully manipulated the fighter jet, making altitude adjustments up until it reached the ship stern, then entered the landing zone and cut its speed……
Luo Yang felt his heart tightening up, and hot blood hammered through his body. He knew that this attempt was not only posing a challenge on the skills and psychological stability of Pilot Number 3，but also on the performance and functions of the jet itself.
At 09：08，the thrilling scene unfolded.
500 meters. 300 meters.100 meters.
With an earth shattering roar, the main wheels of the“Flying Shark”down on the deck of the aircraft carrier, simultaneously the tail hook on the fuselage firmly snagged the second set of cables. In an instant, under the firm hold of the cables, the dart shaped jet decelerated for 10 meters and then came to a smooth stop.
“Success！”
“Success！”
Enthusiastic cheers broke out across the bridge.
People were hugging, others throwing their sailors caps high into the sky.
Luo Yang and Sun Cong grasped each others hands very tightly.
“Absolutely perfect！”
“A perfect ending！”Suddenly, Sun Cong pulled his hand back, saying，“Your hand is dripping with sweat！”
Luo Yang replied，“Have a look at your own hand, it's covered in sweat too！”
The two men spread their hands, then laughed together.
The cockpit door swung open, and Test Pilot Number 3 looked out to see Sun Cong and Luo Yang in the crowd, then giving them the thumbs up and calling out，“Chief Sun, Chief Luo, This‘Flying Shark'is phenomenal！It felt incredible！”
Half an hour later, Test Pilot Number 779 taxied another jet into the take off position. To the right of the jet, two take-off personnel issued the clear for take off position：lunging forwards with their right arm extended forwards.
The next day, as the graceful yet agile moves of the take-off personnel were shown on national television, people rushed to imitate the moves, and the position swept across the country as the“Hang-Mu[Chinese：aircraft carrier]STYLE！”
Test Pilot Number 779 taxied the fighter jet forwards, and then with seemingly uncontrollable force leaps forwards along the 14 degree inclined take-off deck, suddenly pulling upwards into the clouds.
After 50 minutes, yet another“Flying Shark”took off and touched back down.
At 17：00 of that day, Luo Yang attended the regular aviation meetings.
He received a thick stack of data tables, recording the key data in his small notebook. Mechnical system, normal！Avionics systems, normal！Hydraulic system, normal！He said at heart with much joy，“Good！”
On the 24th, the exquisite“dance on a knife-edge”was still taking place on the water, and another three“Flying Sharks”took off and landed.
People had long dreamt of the successful landing and subsequent take-off of the J-15 carrier-based aircraft, and this was an important milestone in the history of the Chinese naval and aviation industry, marking the Chinese aircraft carrier project as a decisive victory.
At 16：15 of the 24th, Luo Yang had just sent word back to his wife that all was well, and was feeling very relaxed as he hung up the phone, when suddenly he felt a wave of exhaustion and a faint tightness in his chest. He slowly walked back to his room, leant against the bed, and upon touching his mouth he unexpectedly felt a large sore.
After dinner, it was common to see Luo Yang joining the other personnel on deck in conversations and for a walk. That night, Luo Yang was nowhere to be seen on deck.However, everybody was full of joy and happiness……
25th November
By 08：00 the following morning it was almost time to leave the ship. Living in the quarter next to Luo Yang, Shenyang Liming Aero-Engine Group Corporation's Chairman and General Manager Meng Jun had just finished packing his luggage, suddenly realizing that he hadn't seen Luo Yang that morning during breakfast.He went to his neighbour's door and slid it ajar, only seeing Luo Yang leaning forward onto his quilt, right hand clutching at his chest, eyes barely open and face yellowed.
Meng Jun froze in shock at the scene, then quickly asked，“Chief Luo, are you okay?”
Luo Yang replied quietly，“I don't feel so well, and my chest is tight”.
“Would you like me to ask the ship doctor to come and see you?”Meng Jun was worried.
Luo Yang waved him away，“At this time everybody would be busy, no need to trouble anyone”.
At that time the bursts of drumbeats and cheers could be heard from the terminal, and a crowd had gathered to greet the triumphant heroes on-board.
Meng Jun was still concerned, and again said，“We can still have the doctor over to come and see you?”
“No need, we are docking anyway. I can see how I feel after we dock.”Luo Yang sat down.
Meng Jun said，“Chief Luo, you stay there, I will call for somebody to help you with your luggage.”
After a moment Meng Jun and two colleagues returned to the room, though they were refused when trying to hold Luo Yang.
Whilst on-board, Luo Yang would normally take the ladder to get down to the deck, however this time he requested that they use the elevator.
These decisions were later considered to be Luo Yang's fatal oversight.
Later on, Meng Jun admitted with the heavy burden of guilt，“If I had insisted to just call the doctor at that point, perhaps it would have been possible to avoid the tragedy that followed……”
Doctors have since predicted that at that point in time, Luo Yang would have had 70-80%cardiac necrosis, and believed that only his steely determination kept him going at this point.
The elevator took them up on deck, and the sun shined bright in the morning sky. Luo Yang saw Shenyang Corporation's Party Committee Secretary Xie Genhua alongside some other staff representatives, waving to him from the pier, and he could only respond with a weak little smile.
Luo Yang's legs felt like lead weights, and he dragged them step by step forwards down the gangway ramp and onto land.
Xie Genhua greeted them at the end of the ramp. When Luo Yang was a few steps away from meeting Xie Genhua, a cameraman called out，“Embrace your colleagues！”All of the energy had left Luo Yang's body now, and the most he could do was to briefly shake hands with Xie Genhua as a courtesy.
Xie Genhua had strived side by side with Luo Yang for this day for many years, and he knew his colleague best. Upon seeing him in such a state, pale and with sores breaking out around his mouth, he quickly asked，“Are you okay?”“A bit fatigued，”Luo Yang replied with a faint smile.
With that, he got into the pick-up van, and was driven to his hotel.
Xie Genhua had just finished greeting the returning staff and leaders from the ship when the Office manager rushed in to tell him，“Secretary Xie, Chief Luo said he is feeling unwell, and will be unable to participate in the ceremony this afternoon. He asked if the Secretary could please arrange a follow-up.”
“Something isn't right！”Xie Genhua's heart skipped a beat with worry. He knew well that Luo Yang would not say he is feeling“unwell”unless it was serious.Furthermore, the afternoon ceremony was very important to attend, and as the chief representative of Shenyang Corporation, and as the Shenyang's Chief Aircraft Carrier Research and Development Field Commander, Luo Yang's position was essential for the ceremony.It must have been serious.
The more Xie Genhua thought about it, the more concerned he became, and accordingly he stopped what he was doing and rushed to the hotel. Upon opening the door, he saw Luo Yang, lying in bed, his face yellowed and twisted in pain.
Xie Genhua leaned over him and asked where was he uncomfortable. Luo Yang indicated towards his chest with his hand, saying，“My chest is tight.”
On hearing this, Xie Genhua immediately knew it was serious, and said，“We are going to the hospital now！”
Luo Yang still waved it off, saying，“No need. I just need to rest.I will sleep a little”.
Xie Genhua was determined, saying，“No, you must go to hospital！”
Xie Genhua called the Office manager and secretary escorted Luo Yang down to the lobby.
Luo Yang suddenly called out to Xie Genhua as though remembering something urgent, and recounted that during his time on-board the captain of the ship had given him several souvenir naval caps which he had put in his suitcase；he must not forget to gift them to a certain research institute's director who was also one of crucial members of the J-15 team. Although the space on the ship did not allow for all of them to come on-board, Luo Yang wanted to celebrate the success with them in any case.Typical Luo Yang.Even in the last moment of his life, he is still thinking of others.
Xiao Wang started the car, and sped to the nearby Dalian Friendship Hospital.
Luo Yang leaned into the rear seats, his face white now and both eyes closed.
The driver repeated，“Chief Luo, we are arriving soon……Almost there……Almost there……”
Luo Yang opened his eyes with much effort, and motioned as though trying to explain something, his mouth moving slowly but no noise coming out. Then, as though to dispel everybody's fears, Luo Yang quietly uttered，“Strange to see no traffic jams today?”
Xiao Wang replied，“It's the weekend, Chief Luo.”
Luo Yang sighed，“Dear……I don't even know what day of the week it is……”
This was the last sentence Luo Yang spoke before his death.
500 meters. 200 meters.100 meters.At less than 50 meters from the hospital, Luo Yang stopped breathing, and fell into a state of asphyxiated unconsciousness……
Xiao Wang ran from the car and shouted at the top of his lungs，“Doctor！We need a doctor！”
They put Luo Yang on a stretcher, and as it was too late to wheel him to the emergency room, the doctors immediately began emergency treatment on him in the outpatient room.
On hearing the news, Navy Deputy Commander General Zhang Yongyi rushed to the hospital as fast as possible, as well as China Aviation Industry Chairman Lin Zouming and many of Luo Yang's colleagues.
……
The head of the hospital personally organized the rescue effort as it unfolded in the outpatient room. Nobody dared to consider the possibility of the worst case scenario, and everyone was hoping for a miracle during the rescue.Both Secretary Xiao Ren's phone and Xie Genhua's phones were ceaselessly ringing, and they were not alone；the phones of everybody present were constantly ringing during the rescue.
At 12：48 Luo Yang's death was announced. Due to an unexpected myocardial infarction, and at the pinnacle of his life he had suffered cardiac arrest during his line of duty at age 51，and the combined efforts of the doctors were unable to save him.
During this time, film crews were still on the Liaoning, shooting scenes of the J-15's after their successful landing, and the images were currently being displayed live on television screens a few steps from the outpatient department.
“The rainbow only showed itself before you bid us farewell，
The hero bows and conceals himself in the sky above the vast sea.”
The heavens wept, and the seas cried out……
The news would shake the Liaoning to the core！
It would shake all leaders to the core！
It would shake the central leading body of the Party to its core！
The Chinese people would be shaken to their core！
