The first large-scale amphibious aircraft AG600 independently developed by China successfully made its first flight on water.

On the morning of the 20 th, amphibious aircraftAG600 successfully carried out its first water test flight at Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Hubei.Image source: Nanfang Daily

At 9: 05 on October 20, Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Hubei Province, the first large-scale amphibious aircraft independently developed by China, the "Kunlong" AG600, made its first flight on the water successfully.

Known as the "flying ship", AG600 can take off and land on land and water respectively, and be developed, designed and assembled in Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park, Guangdong Province. Last December, it successfully made its first land flight in zhuhai jinwan airport. It is not only large in size and heavy in load, but also has the characteristics of long voyage, long battery life and strong wave resistance. It can carry out water rescue tasks in sea conditions not less than two meters, reaching the world advanced level of similar products.

The successful first flight of AG600 on land and water is another major breakthrough in the field of large aircraft after China’s self-developed large transport aircraft Yun 20 realized the delivery and loading, and the C919 large passenger plane realized the first flight. The advent of AG600 provides an effective means for China to carry out rescue in the sea of COSCO, patrol the safety of ocean navigation and forest fire fighting.

The relevant person in charge of China Aviation Industry Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "aviation industry"), the research and development and manufacturing unit of AG600, said that AG600 has filled the gap in the development of large amphibious aircraft in China and added a powerful "heavyweight player" to China’s large aircraft family, which is of great significance to enhancing China’s comprehensive national strength and establishing national self-confidence and pride.

Next, AG600 will continue to carry out heavy research and development work, and is currently docking with interested users to continue to improve the performance of AG600 according to user needs.