China Approves Mass Production of World’s Largest Amphibious Aircraft

China has approved the mass production of the AG600 Kunlong, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, marking a major step in the country’s aviation and military modernisation efforts.

Credit: AFP via Getty

The Civil Aviation Administration of China granted production certification for the AG600 on Wednesday, allowing the aircraft to enter the commercial market, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the AG600 is designed for marine rescue missions and forest firefighting. It is roughly the size of a Boeing 737 and can carry up to 50 people during maritime search-and-rescue operations.

The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and can scoop up 12 metric tonnes of water in 20 seconds. It has a range of up to 4,500 km and is capable of taking off and landing in waves as high as 2 metres.

Credit: AFP via Getty

The AG600 features low-altitude, low-speed performance, and stable water takeoff and landing. It also includes a domestically developed support system, according to state media.

The first batch of AG600 aircraft completed production test flights in May in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. During the test, the aircraft performed a 12-tonne water drop and flew for 17 minutes before landing.

Wang Huafeng, an official with the Jilin provincial department of emergency management, said the prototype was tested for aerial fire suppression over Changbai mountain.

“The trial run has shown to us that the seaplane is good at emergency-response tasks,” Wang said. “Its service is a big help to us in terms of grassland and forest fire control.”

Ye Junwei, director of the Zhejiang emergency management air rescue centre, said the AG600 is expected to significantly improve the responsiveness and efficiency of forest fire rescue efforts.

The AG600 project began in September 2009, with prototype construction starting in March 2014. The aircraft made its debut takeoff and landing in 2017 in Zhuhai and completed its first sea-based test flight over the Yellow Sea in 2020.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China said the production approval is a milestone in building a more high-end and standardised aviation manufacturing sector. It also strengthens China’s ability to independently develop a complete civil aviation ecosystem.

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• China approves mass production of AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft

• Aircraft can carry 50 people and scoop 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds

• Designed for marine rescue and forest firefighting missions

Source: INDEPENDENT