Picture of Yu Benshui. Photo: China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation

Yu Benshui, an expert in air defense missiles, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and senior advisor to the Science and Technology Committee of the Second Academy, Second Department of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), passed away due to illness in Beijing on Wednesday at the age of 91, according to an obituary published by the CASIC.

Yu was a highly influential expert in aerospace defense technology in China. He devoted his life to the development of air defense missiles, presiding over the research and development of surface-to-air missiles, ship-to-air missiles, as well as strategic studies on advanced defense weapon systems.

He served as the chief designer and deputy chief designer of multiple air defense missile weapon systems, making him a leading expert in China's missile and weapon system technologies, and contributing remarkable achievements to the advancement of the nation's aerospace industry. Yu had received multiple national honors and awards.

Yu was also a pioneer in developing missiles capable of intercepting low- and ultra-low-altitude targets, sea-skimming targets, and field air defense missiles for the army. He participated in the founding phase of China's air defense missile program and the development of the first generation of air defense missiles. From the replication of the 543 missile to the demonstration and development of the HQ-2 system, he made significant contributions in solving critical technical challenges such as intercepting high-altitude, high-speed, and maneuvering targets, said the CASIC obituary.

He spearheaded research on the "close and rapid battle tactics," which made indelible contributions to the history of China's aerospace industry and air defense operations. During the development of China's first second-generation air defense missile, he led and participated in breakthroughs in key technologies such as rapid-response, highly integrated missile design and interception of ultra-low-altitude targets, achieving results at the world's advanced level.

As chief designer of China's field air defense missile weapon system, he presided over the formulation of development plans and technological breakthroughs. He also led the development of the B610 missile, innovatively converting an air defense missile into a cruise-type surface-to-surface missile, making a major contribution to progress in related fields, according to the CASIC obituary.

Global Times