AWARDEE OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES PRIZE

SONG WENCONG

Song Wencong, a famous aircraft designer and natural science professor, was born on March 26,1930 in Dali, Yunnan Province. In 1959, he graduated from the air force engineering department of Harbin Military Engineering Academy, and assigned to work in Shenyang Aircraft Factory as a leader of general layout group. In 1961,he started to work in Shenyang Aircraft Design & Research Institute. From 1970 to present, he has been working in Chengdu Aircraft Design & Research Institute as the director of general layout and aerodynamic research department, vice director and then chief designer of the institute.
Song Wencong dedicated to aircraft design by the end of fifties, 20th century. He was involved in the work of different aircraft as Dongfeng 113,J7, J8, J9. As the chief designer, he was in charge of the development of J7Ⅲ,J7ⅢA and new type aircraft. Professor Song is one of the founders for fighter aircraft tactical and technical demonstration as well as the aerodynamic layout group. He has laid down a solid base for that realm and trained numerous technical personnel.
In 1960s, in charge of Prof. Song, the combat operation analysis and layout parameter selection of Fighter Year 62 was finished. T&T demonstration, aerodynamic layout and general design scheme of J8 was fulfilled. These achievements were of significant contribution to J8 development.
In 1970s, Prof. Song initiated and organized the research in short interval canard layout, undertook great deal of wind tunnel tests, calculating analysis and general scheme demonstration. Following the layout research of up-to-date international level, he led the institute make a significant preparation for the third generation fighter's development.
In 1980, National Committee of Science and Industry appointed Song as chief designer of J7Ⅲ. This aircraft was a major project in the country's 6th five-year plan. He organized and carried out the system engineering management. The designer system was setup as the first time and the system of technical quality responsibility was improved. Lasted for 8 years, the whole procedure of J7Ⅲ development, design finalization and air force operation service was fulfilled.  Thus, the all weather light fighter in our country was raised to a new generation and the gap of this kind was filled. Prof. Song then continued to organize the activities in J7Ⅲ improvement.  In 1991, J7Ⅲ was awarded the 2nd level prize of national science and technology progress. Song was the first in the name list and personally got the honor of first rank.  Both J7Ⅲ & J7ⅢA have been put in service and used in National Day parade many times.
In 1986, the National Committee of Science and Industry appointed Song chief designer of a high performance fighter—a fighter of advanced level in 1990s. Laying a foundation, raising to a higher level and running across the times, this aircraft is a major development program in the country's aviation industry. Under the leadership of Prof. Song, the development of this project matched the tactical and technical requirement.  Thus, our country has got the design and research capability for the third generation fighter aircraft. A historic break through has made in advanced aerodynamic layout, avionic integration technology, digital flight control system, and CADCAM. The gap of aviation industry level between China and western countries  has been narrowed and numerous of personnel have been trained for good commanding of advanced technology.  For his contribution to the new type aircraft development, Song Wencong was awarded the first and special merit.
In recent years, new break through has been made in some critical technologies. Prof. Song published many academic papers, as the one “Development Strategy Study on China's military Aviation Technology in year 2000”was awarded the first Prize of Science and Technical Progress  by the Ministry of Aviation Industry in July, 1990.
Song Wencong has rich experience in engineering practice. From use and maintenance, groping and copy to the self-design and research, he has gone through different periods of time in the country's aviation industry. He is especially good at tactics demonstration, aerodynamic layout and general design of fighter aircraft. One after another, he was awarded numbers of prizes by government ministries. In 2000,the state council conferred him the name of “National Advanced Worker". In  2001,he was awarded “Aviation Golden Prize of Dedication to the Country" by Avic Ⅰ.
Song Wencong was  member of the first session of National Committee of Management Standard Technology for Armament System Engineering, member of the first session of Science and Technology Committee of Aviation Industry, director of Academic Committee of Major Aviation Science and Technology Laboratory for Fighter Integration Simulation,  member of the 7th Session of Sichuan committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress, member of the Multi-Academics Experts Group of Senior Aviation Hi-Tech Personnel Training Center of Beijing Aeronautics & Aerospace University, Nanjing Aeronautics & Aerospace University and Northwest Polytechnic University.