On July 26th, 2020, at 10:18 local time, the AVIC AG600 conducted its first saltwater landing in Qingdao, China. The flight lasted just over half an hour and marked a key milestone for the type. Manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 is described as a large, amphibious, four-propeller aircraft. Let's find out more about this aircraft and why it was created in the first place.

Background and development timeline

According to Navy Recognition, the AVIC AG600 was in development for five years before the production of the prototype began in August 2014. Just under two years later, the aircraft was unveiled on July 23rd, 2016. This represented a slight delay, as AvWeb notes that the first flight was originally planned to occur in 2015.

The aircraft, which was previously designated as the Dragon 600 and then the TA-600, eventually flew for the first time on December 24th, 2017, from Zhuhai Airport, and, as mentioned above, its first saltwater landing took place in July 2020. According to FlightGlobal, it had amassed 17 orders at the time of its rollout.

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The AG600 is developed by AVIC. Among other things, this company also produces multi-purpose fighter jets, military helicopters, airborne weapons, and commercial turboprop aircraft. However, the AG600 will be a bit different.

The role and purpose of the AG600

A milestone for China's aviation industry, the AG600 marks the first time that the country has developed a special-mission large civil aircraft model. Together with the Y-20 large transporter and C919 single-aisle passenger airplane, the AG600 is part of China's goals of independently developing a "large aircraft family."

Very clearly an amphibious aircraft, the AVIC AG600 is a multi-role aircraft and will be able to carry out missions including forest firefighting, marine rescue, and other critical emergency rescue services. It is also known as the 'Kunglong.'

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AVIC AG600 Model
Photo: ID1974/Shutterstock

Besides roles in firefighting and water rescue, AVIC notes via Xinhua.net that the AG600 aircraft can be modified to meet customers' special mission requirements. However, for now, the development team is said to be focusing on the firefighting variant of the AG600. But how does the aircraft look in terms of its specifications?

Performance and specifications

According to Navy Recognition, the AVIC AG600 is 36.90 meters (121 feet) long and 12 meters (39.4 feet) high. Similar to that of a Boeing 737, its wingspan stretches 38.80 meters (127.3 feet). As for capacity, the AVIC AG600 can carry 50 passengers, and transport them at a maximum speed of 500km/h (310 mph).

Meanwhile, in its firefighting capacity, the aircraft can collect up to 12 tonnes of water, which it can disperse over an area of 4,000 square meters. As for its four engines, each of the plane's WJ-6 turboprops have a total of six blades.

The AG600 has a range of approximately 4,500 km, or 2,800 miles, equivalent to the distance from Seattle to Miami. This allows the aircraft to fly across much of China, rapidly responding to emergency situations. However, the aircraft is limited to conditions where sea waves are no more than two meters high.

Recent developments

AVIC initially planned to have the AG600 certified by 2021, allowing deliveries to commence the following year. However, neither of these targets were met, although last year saw a key milestone when, according to MSN, the aircraft completed water scooping and dropping tests. AIN reported last month that the type had been cleared for firefighting, meaning that certification could be achieved next year.

What do you think of this aircraft? Aside from firefighting and search and rescue, could the plane have any success flying passengers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Sources: AIN, AvWeb, FlightGlobal, MSN, Navy Recognition, Xinhua.net