The world's largest amphibious aircraft, the China-made AG600, will make its maiden flight over land in the first half year of 2017 and its maiden flight over water during the second half year of 2017, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on March 11, Nanfang Daily reports.
The AG600 is a giant specialized civil aircraft that will be used to fight forest fires and perform marine rescues. Its maximum payload is 53.5 tons. The aircraft is 36.9 meters long and its wingspan is 38.8 meters.
According to AVIC, the AG600 can be remodeled to perform marine environmental monitoring, reef supplying, maritime law enforcement and rights protection, providing the Belt and Road Initiative with a marine security guarantee and emergency assistance.
The AVIC AG600 amphibian aircraft made its public debut on the Air Show China static line in November 2016. The aircraft has received 17 expressions of interest so far.
More news about the AG600:
Amphibious aircraft AG600 displayed in Zhuhai
An amphibious aircraft AG600 is displayed for the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 30, 2016. The AG600 is by far the world's largest amphibian aircraft, about the size of a Boeing 737. (Photo/Xinhua)
China completes massive amphibious aircraft
China has completed production of a massive amphibious aircraft that it plans to use to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue missions.
