China’s independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has conducted test flights over the sea. It represents a major step forward before the plane conducts its first takeoff from sea, which is planned within the year. Through the test flights, crew members familiarized themselves with the airspace and marine environment for the upcoming test flights, the state-owned plane maker Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) said yesterday.
The AVIC AG600 Kunlong (Monstrous Sea Dragon) is a large amphibious aircraft designed by AVIC and assembled by CAIGA. Its development represents a Chinese breakthrough in this field. Powered by four WJ-6 turboprops, it is one of the largest flying boats with a 53.5 t MTOW. The AG600 amphibious aircraft has a single body flying boat fuselage, cantilevered high wings, four WJ-6 turboprops and tricycle retractable landing gear. It can operate from 1,500 by 200 m stretches of water 2.5 m deep, and should be able to conduct Sea State 3 operations with 2 m waves.
The AG600 amphibious aircraft is expected to be delivered by 2022. It could access remote atolls in the South China Sea’s Spratly Islands, as the South China Sea is subjected to territorial disputes. It can fly in four hours from the southern city of Sanya to James Shoal, the southernmost edge of China’s territorial claims. It could access remote atolls in the South China Sea’s Spratly Islands, as the South China Sea is subjected to territorial disputes. It can fly in four hours from the southern city of Sanya to James Shoal, the southernmost edge of China’s territorial claims.
