The first batch of three AG600, China's independently developed amphibious aircraft, is expected to be delivered to users this year, according to a relevant person in charge from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the aircraft developer.
The AG600 aircraft has officially entered mass production after obtaining a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on Wednesday.
Among the first batch of three AG600 aircraft in production, one has completed its first test flight, during which it dropped 12 tons of water, with all systems performing stably.
"The other two aircraft are currently undergoing final assembly, and the first batch of three aircraft are expected to be delivered within this year. The aircraft will be used in the garrison and training missions in Greater Khingan Range, Changbai Mountain and other places, to continuously strengthen the operational capability to achieve normalized emergency response," said Wang Lisong, deputy director of AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co.,Ltd.
In the industrialization process of the AG600 aircraft, China has acquired the technical and industrial capabilities to independently develop large amphibious aircraft, and has established a complete system of design, manufacturing, system matching, test flight, and support services.
Wang said it also provides a useful reference for the subsequent airworthiness work of other key aircraft models.
"The AG600 aircraft has entered the mass production stage, which is a milestone in the construction of China's large-scale aviation emergency rescue equipment system. The industrialization process of the AG600 has driven the comprehensive innovation, independent research and development, and independent guarantee of the civil aircraft industry chain and supply chain, creating favorable conditions for the high-quality development of the industry," Wang said.
First 3 amphibious AG600 aircraft to be delivered within year
