Shenyang J-5, China's First Jet Fighter, Succeeds in Its Maiden Flight on July 19, 1956

The Shenyang J-5, China's first jet fighter, has a successful maiden flight on July 19, 1956 in Shenyang, Liaoning province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Shenyang J-5, China's first jet fighter, succeeds in its maiden flight on July 19, 1956

The Shenyang J-5, China's first jet fighter, made its maiden flight on July 19, 1956 in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

Developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd, the fighter was completely assembled with self-made components, which was the first such achievement in China's history.

An iconic milestone in the country's aviation industry development, the Shenyang J-5 was a key type of aircraft indicating China's aviation industry had evolved from repairing pre-existing models to manufacturing.

Its development, mass production and entry into military service meant that China was now flying in the jet era.

T-7A/S1, China's first biological sounding rocket, blasts off on July 19, 1964

The T-7A/S1, China's first biological sounding rocket, was launched on July 19, 1964.

Eight white rats and 12 biological test tubes were carried by the rocket to research the impact of weightlessness, high altitude ejection and cosmic radiation on living organism.

The result of the experiment contributed to the study of space biology and offered reliable and effective references for design of the cabin and security systems required for manned space flights.

The successful launch of the rocket was a key step in China's biological sounding rocket technologies.

(Executive editor: Hao Wen)