China's independently-developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has recently passed two tests on its ability to withstand high-temperatures, marking another step forward for the aircraft to obtain the certification for performing firefighting tasks, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the developer of the model.
The two tests, one on cooling and ventilation, and the other on overheat detection and ambient temperature measuring, are to see whether the operating temperature of devices in the aircraft's engine nacelle meets the equipment temperature limit requirements under high temperature and maximum engine power conditions.
The AG600 is the first large special purpose aircraft developed by China to meet the urgent needs of forest firefighting and water rescue capabilities.
It can collect 12 tons of water in 20 seconds during forest firefighting operations and make multiple round trips between the water source and the fire scene to put out the fire.
During water rescue missions, the aircraft can cruise as low as 50 meters above the water surface and anchor on water to conduct rescue tasks, with the capacity of evacuating 50 people at one time.
China's AG600 amphibious aircraft passes firefighting function tests
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called for a comprehensive push in the technological innovation, industrial growth and application of artificial intelligence (AI) to foster new quality productive forces and promote high-quality development.
Li made the remarks while presiding over a State Council group study session focused on AI development.
China must understand AI development trends accurately, Li said, encouraging breakthroughs across the entire chain, and for broad implementation in diverse scenarios to unlock the potential of the technology in an improved manner.
Li urged efforts to map out forward-looking strategies for new technologies and pathways, push for large-scale and commercial applications, better coordinate key resources ranging from data to computing power and electricity supply, expand international technology exchange, and strengthen AI governance with improvements to laws, policy frameworks, application standards and ethical guidelines.
Additionally, China should build an open and inclusive environment, and cultivate a larger multi-skilled talent pool, Li said.
Zhou Bowen, head of the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, delivered a briefing at the session. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang and Zhang Guoqing, along with State Councilor Wu Zhenglong, also participated in the discussions.
Chinese premier calls for comprehensive push in AI innovation, application
