Aviation

AG600 Amphibious Aircraft in China Passes Initial Certification Flight Test

Credit:AVIC

China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft has marked a significant milestone by successfully completing its first certification flight test, as announced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on Saturday.

The crucial test, conducted on Friday, involved an airspeed calibration at a civil aircraft flight test center located in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province, northwest China. This step was essential for assessing the aircraft’s performance, safety, and calibration accuracy.

The flight test was overseen by a specialized crew from the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring rigorous evaluation and adherence to safety standards.

Developed by AVIC, the AG600 is a notable addition to China’s aviation capabilities. It is powered by four Dongan WJ-6 turboprop engines and china ws15 engine allowing it to stay airborne for up to 12 hours and accommodate up to 50 passengers.

The airspeed calibration test is critical as it accurately measures and processes the aircraft’s atmospheric parameters during flight. This step is vital for verifying the aircraft’s performance and safety, making it a necessary component of the certification process before the AG600 can enter operational service.

The successful completion of this test is a significant advancement for the AG600 program, reflecting China’s growing expertise in aviation technology and its commitment to developing advanced aircraft like china 6th generation fighter for both civil and emergency operations.

Aviation

Two Russian Schoolboys Arrested for Destroying Mi-8T Helicopter

In a shocking act of sabotage, two Russian teenagers, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested for burning down a Mi-8T military helicopter at an airport.

The boys, Timur and Sasha, reportedly used flammable liquid and cigarettes to ignite the helicopter, resulting in a fiery explosion that caused severe damage, leaving the aircraft almost completely destroyed.

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According to reports by Russian media outlet BAZA, which has close ties to law enforcement, the teenagers claimed they were promised around £42,000 through the Telegram messaging app in exchange for carrying out the attack.

Two Russian schoolboys, aged 13 and 14 years, burned down a Mi-8T helicopter (RA-24519) at the airport of the city of Noyabrsk, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of Russia on 11 September 2024.

Russian authorities arrested the teenagers on charges of blowing up a Mi-8 helicopter by… pic.twitter.com/MvVeoZFoZU— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 15, 2024

While the source of the offer remains unknown, one theory suggests the boys may have been motivated by the hope that the act could somehow help bring home the father of one of the teenagers, who had been conscripted to fight in the war in Ukraine.

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The destruction of the £1 million helicopter led to their immediate arrest, as the boys suffered significant facial and hand burns during the incident. After fleeing the scene, they sought medical assistance, which ultimately revealed their involvement in the attack. Both teenagers are now under armed guard while receiving treatment in a local hospital.

Authorities revealed that this was not the first act of sabotage carried out by the boys. Earlier, they confessed to being paid £250 to destroy a mobile phone mast, which they successfully completed before targeting the helicopter. During their interrogation, they admitted to receiving 30,000 rubles for setting fire to the cell tower and were promised 5 million rubles for the helicopter attack.

The Mi-8T helicopter, used for military purposes, was reportedly left “almost completely wrecked,” with only the tail remaining intact following the explosion.