China produces world’s largest amphibious aircraft

BEIJING – Anadolu Agency

China has completed production of the world’s largest amphibious aircraft after nearly seven years of work on the AG600 developed for use in emergency operations.

State-run China Daily reported July 24 that the AG600 - which measures 37 meters long and has a wingspan of 38.8 meters, around the size of a Boeing 737 - rolled off a production line in southern Zhuhai city on July 23.

According to the state aircraft maker, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tons and a maximum cruising speed of 500 kilometers per hour.        

Its maximum flight range stands at 4,500 kilometers with maximum endurance of 12 hours.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China plans to target the domestic market with the aircraft, which has the capacity to rescue as many as 50 people far offshore, collect 12 tons of water in 20 seconds and transport up to 370 tons of water with one tank of fuel.