By Li Yun, Sun Luming and Feng Yunhe
The experience of launching a new type of shipborne weapon in the waters of 26 degrees north latitude had so far deeply impressed its former and first commanding officer Zhao Wan.
After arriving at the designated mission area, the combat alarm was sounded, and all personnel stayed in a safe place ready for the launching mission. Only the then Commander Zhao Wan and a steersman were in the cockpit just seven meters away from the launch silo.
An accident happened. The missile was not launched according to the predetermined procedure after the button was pressed. "The test has entered an irreversible procedure, and the missile may explode on the warship at any time."
According to the emergency plan, the ship headed to the open sea, and the testers needed to discharge the missile before returning to the home port. The waiting time seemed to be longer by tension and fear. Lei Zhongshan, the then chief of navigation, recalled: "Time seems to be dead and it's extremely long."
Although all crew members wore explosion-proof suits and helmets, everyone knew that these protections would not help in the explosion. "It just gives us a psychological comfort," said XuWanggen, the leader of the cabin area. "Fortunately, the danger was successfully eliminated in the end."
During the 23 years since it was commissioned, Bi Sheng has launched nearly 100 missiles and more than 10,000 naval guns, and has completed more than 310 major test tasks. It is known as the "Naval Meritorious Test Ship."
