BEIJING?- The Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Wednesday conferred the posthumous title of "national outstanding CPC member" on the production head for China's new J-15 fighter jet.

Luo Yang died of a heart attack on Sunday, after observing aircraft carrier landing tests that featured the jet.

Luo, chairman and general manager of the Shenyang Aircraft Corp. (SAC), headed the manufacturing and production phase of the J-15 fighter jet. He died in hospital at the age of 51, according to an obituary issued by the SAC.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has extended his "condolence with deep feeling of grief" on Luo's unexpected death.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council also conferred the posthumous title of "model worker of state-owned enterprises" on Luo.

The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence called on staff in the sector to learn from Luo's lofty beliefs, enterprising spirit and noble character.

Chinese people nationwide, including Luo's colleagues, acquaintances and netizens, have mourned his death.