Zhuhai, China – China’s independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has entered the initial batch production phase, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation industry. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country’s leading aircraft manufacturer, announced on Tuesday that the nose section of the first batch-produced AG600 was completed and delivered on June 30.
This development signifies a transition from the aircraft’s development phase to mass production. According to AVIC, the production of the aircraft’s nose section took approximately three months. The Central and Southern Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China conducted airworthiness compliance inspections during this period to ensure the component met all regulatory standards.
The final assembly of the AG600 will be carried out by AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, located in south China’s Guangdong Province. AVIC aims to obtain the type certificate for the AG600 by the end of this year, after which the aircraft will be delivered to customers.
Currently, four AG600 aircraft designated for test flights are undergoing airworthiness flight test missions across the country. These tests are essential to verify the new aircraft’s performance and ensure compliance with all airworthiness standards.
China, with its vast and varied landscapes, has been continuously strengthening its capabilities in air emergency rescue. The nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) emphasizes enhancing the national emergency management system by bolstering air rescue options and capabilities.
The AG600 amphibious aircraft family is being developed as vital advanced aeronautical equipment to enhance China’s emergency rescue abilities. Tailored for missions such as firefighting and maritime search and rescue, the AG600 is designed to operate across all types of terrains.
The aircraft features a unique configuration with an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-bottom-shaped lower body, providing exceptional amphibious capabilities. AVIC has focused on amphibious functionality, versatility across multiple models, and serialized development in creating the AG600 family.
Beyond rescue missions, the AG600 can be equipped to meet various user demands in fields like marine environment monitoring, resource detection, and passenger and cargo transportation. This versatility positions the AG600 as a critical asset in advancing China’s aviation technology and emergency response infrastructure.
The commencement of batch production for the AG600 marks a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s ability to conduct complex rescue operations and manage emergencies effectively, thereby safeguarding lives and promoting stability across the region.
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Initial batch production of China's AG600 amphibious aircraft begins
cgtn.com
