The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, slides on the water surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018. China’s independently-developed large amphibious aircraft AG600 completed its first water takeoff and landing in Jingmen on the morning of Oct 20. [Photo/Xinhua]
WUHAN — China’s independently-developed large amphibious aircraft AG600 completed its first water takeoff and landing in the city of Jingmen in the central province of Hubei on Oct 20.
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, is designed to be the world’s largest amphibious aircraft. It completed its maiden flight in December 2017.
At around 8:51 am, the plane took off from the surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport of Jingmen under the command of captain Zhao Sheng and his crew. It landed smoothly and steadily on water after a 14-minute flight.
The AG600, a large-scale special-purpose civil aircraft designed to assist with forest firefighting and water rescues, is the third member of China’s “large aircraft family” following the large freighter Y-20 and large passenger aircraft C919.
Developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the aircraft is powered by four domestically designed turboprop engines and is roughly the size of a Boeing 737. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tonnes.
The aircraft is designed for both land and water takeoffs and landings. The lower part of the aircraft body is designed as a “V” structure to improve its anti-wave ability.
When used to help put out a forest fire, it is able to collect 12 tonnes of water at a time and make multiple trips to fetch water.
The aircraft can carry out sea rescue operations under complex meteorological conditions and can withstand two-meter-high waves. It is capable of carrying 50 people during a maritime search and rescue mission. It also provides support for China’s marine monitoring and safety patrol.
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, lands on the water surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, is seen after its first water takeoff and landing at Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, is to take off from the surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, flies over the water surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, moves towards the land after landing on the water surface of a reservoir near Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China’s Hubei province, on Oct 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
