China’s AG600 Amphibious Aircraft Completes All Prior-Certification Flight Tests

China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has successfully completed all prior-certification flight tests, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward airworthiness certification. This achievement underscores Chiina’s growing capabilities in developing advanced civil aviation technologies.

Comprehensive Testing Across Diverse Conditions

Over the past two years, the AG600 aircraft conducted 2,014 flight movements totaling 3,560 flight hours. These tests spanned various challenging environments, including water surfaces, extreme cold, high temperatures and humidity, crosswinds, and typical firefighting scenarios. One notable test involved the discharge of combustible liquids, a critical component for firefighting operations. The successful completion of this test in Pucheng County, Shaanxi Province, was a pivotal step in verifying the aircraft’s operational capabilities in diverse conditions.

Design and Versatility

The AG600 features a unique design, combining an aircraft-shaped upper body with a ship-bottom-shaped lower body, enabling it to operate both on land and water. This amphibious capability is complemented by its adaptability for various missions, including forest firefighting, maritime search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The aircraft’s versatility is further enhanced by its ability to carry equipment for passenger and cargo transportation, meeting the diverse needs of users across different sectors.

Strategic Significance

The completion of these rigorous tests positions the AG600 to play a crucial role in strengthening China’s emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention capabilities. As the country’s first independently developed large-sized special-purpose civil aircraft family, the AG600 represents a significant advancement in China’s aerospace industry. Its successful development and testing demonstrate China’s growing self-reliance in producing specialized aircraft tailored to meet national and regional needs.

Conclusion

The AG600’s successful completion of all prior-certification flight tests marks a significant achievement in China’s aerospace sector. This milestone not only highlights the aircraft’s readiness for operational deployment but also reflects China’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities in civil aviation. As the AG600 moves closer to obtaining its airworthiness certification, it is poised to become a vital asset in China’s emergency response and disaster management efforts.