China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft has successfully completed all its flight test missions, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation industry. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Friday that the AG600 achieved this feat after completing its final compliance flight test for combustible liquid discharge in Pucheng County, Shaanxi Province.
Over the past two years, the AG600 conducted an extensive series of tests, totaling 2,014 flight movements and 3,560 flight hours. These rigorous trials took place across multiple sites in China to secure the necessary meteorological conditions, including tests over water surfaces and in extreme weather scenarios such as extreme cold, high temperatures, high humidity, and crosswinds.
The AG600 is a domestically developed aircraft designed for critical missions like firefighting and maritime search and rescue across diverse terrains. Its unique configuration features an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-bottom-shaped lower body, allowing it to operate effectively on both land and water.
According to AVIC, the AG600 can be equipped to meet various needs, including marine environment monitoring, resource detection, and passenger and cargo transportation. The aircraft has demonstrated reliable performance, with tests confirming its operational stability and system functions.
The AG600 has achieved several milestones since its development. It successfully completed its maiden flight in 2017, executed its first takeoff from a reservoir in 2018, and conducted its maiden flight over the sea in 2020. Its water-dropping capabilities have been fully verified, showing proficiency in firefighting missions across plains, hills, and plateaus.
AVIC stated that the development of the AG600 enhances China’s capabilities in designing and manufacturing large special-purpose civil aircraft. It also contributes to the advancement of the country’s aeronautical emergency rescue equipment system.
