China is rapidly advancing its technological and aviation capabilities, with its domestically developed AG600M amphibious aircraft achieving another milestone.

Three AG600M “Kunlong” large amphibious aircraft, independently developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), have successfully completed their first test flights in the Year of the Snake in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.

Rigorous Testing Process

Supported by a dedicated team of approximately 500 researchers, the test flights were conducted at the AVIC civil aircraft test flight center in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province. The AG600M underwent comprehensive assessments, including:

• Flight control failure simulations
• Ice formation condition tests
• Avionics system upgrades

Impressive Specifications and Capabilities

Part of the AG600 family, the AG600M features:

• Maximum take-off weight: 60 metric tons
• Water-carrying capacity: 12 metric tons
• Flight range: 4,500 kilometers

Its design supports low-altitude, low-speed flying and short-runway operations, making it ideal for complex missions like firefighting, maritime rescue, and disaster relief.

Path to Airworthiness Certification

The successful test flights validated the AG600M’s performance and safety, paving the way for its airworthiness certification. The AG600 family plays a vital role in China’s strategy to enhance emergency response capabilities with domestically produced, large special-purpose aircraft.

Enhanced Performance for Critical Missions

As an upgraded variant, the AG600M offers superior performance for challenging tasks such as wildfire suppression and open-sea rescues. China has already commenced batch production of the AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, marking a significant milestone in both its aviation and maritime sectors.

Transition to Mass Production

On June 30, AVIC announced the delivery of the nose section of the first batch-produced AG600 aircraft, symbolizing the shift from development to mass production. This aligns with China’s 2027 production modernization strategy and highlights its commitment to strengthening aviation capabilities with homegrown aircraft like the C919 passenger jet and Y-20 cargo plane.