Academician Huang Xuhua: Pursuing the dream of nuclear submarines throughout his life, his achievements will be recorded in history forever

At 20:30 on February 6, 2025, Huang Xuhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, passed away in Wuhan, Hubei at the age of 99.

Huang Xuhua

An outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic and the National Highest Science and Technology Award, a national moral model, the chief designer of China's first generation nuclear submarine project, former director, party secretary (acting), and honorary director of the 719th Institute of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. A nuclear-powered submarine expert, mainly engaged in nuclear-powered submarine research.

Let us now review the eventful life of this pillar of the country and remember his outstanding achievements.

Huang Xuhua was born on March 12, 1926 in Shanwei, Guangdong, and his ancestral home is Jieyang, Guangdong. His early education was full of ups and downs, and he studied in Jiexi, Meixian, Shaoguan, Pingshi, Guilin, Chongqing and other places. In 1945, he was admitted to the National Chiao Tung University with his own efforts, and systematically studied the theory and technology of shipbuilding. During his time at school, Huang Xuhua not only focused on his studies, but also actively participated in student movements. In 1949, he joined the Communist Party of China, laying a solid ideological foundation for his future dedication to the party and the country in scientific research.

After graduating from Jiaotong University in 1949, Huang Xuhua started a rich career. He worked in the Shipbuilding Department of the Shanghai Military Control Commission, the Shanghai Merchants Group (Maritime Bureau), and the Shanghai Port Authority. In 1954, he was transferred to the Shanghai Shipbuilding Industry Administration and participated in the transfer, manufacturing and imitation of Soviet aid ships to China, accumulating valuable practical experience.

In 1958, Huang Xuhua began to participate in and lead the research and design of my country's first generation of nuclear submarines. He served as the deputy chief designer of the first generation of nuclear submarines and the second chief designer. He served as deputy chief engineer, deputy director, director, and party secretary of the 719th Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. During this period, in order to keep the development of nuclear submarines secret, he kept his name secret and completely cut off contact with his family and friends. It was not until 1987 that his long reportage "A Glorious and Anonymous Life" was revealed.

As the chief designer of China's first generation of nuclear submarines, Huang Xuhua made great contributions to the development and leapfrog development of nuclear submarines. In 1994, Huang Xuhua was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. On February 10, 2014, he was elected as one of the "Top Ten People Who Moved China in 2013". On September 29, 2019, he was awarded the "Medal of the Republic". On January 10, 2020, he was awarded the 2019 National Highest Science and Technology Award.

Academician Huang Xuhua is the backbone of the country, and his spirit will always inspire us to move forward courageously. Rest in peace, Academician Huang Xuhua!

Reference sources: Voice of China Association for Science and Technology, Changan Street Governor