China has taken a significant step in strengthening its emergency air-rescue capabilities with the delivery of the first batch of domestically developed MA60 firefighting airplanes. On Monday, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the nation’s leading aircraft manufacturer, handed over two MA60 firefighting planes to the Ministry of Emergency Management in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.
The MA60 firefighting aircraft, a large and medium-sized fixed-wing plane, is specifically designed for aerial firefighting and a range of emergency rescue missions. Equipped with advanced technology, it integrates multiple functions including water-dropping operations, fire monitoring, communications and command, as well as transportation of personnel and supplies.
With a maximum water-carrying capacity of 6 tonnes and the ability to transport up to 28 people, the MA60 is poised to become a critical asset in combating forest and grassland fires across the country. It also boasts a maximum cargo transport weight of 3.7 tonnes, enhancing its utility in various emergency scenarios.
The MA60 firefighting aircraft is part of the indigenous MA60 “Modern Ark” multipurpose aircraft family. It has successfully obtained the supplemental type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking a milestone in the nation’s aviation industry.
“The development of the MA60 firefighting airplane began in 2021, and we have made breakthroughs in a number of core technologies,” said Miao Zhimin, the chief designer of the aircraft. “Looking ahead, the MA60 firefighting aircraft will be a critical force in aerial emergency response and play an important role in forest and grassland fire prevention and fighting, as well as personnel and supply transportation.”
This advancement underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its emergency response capabilities and reflects the progress in its aviation sector. The introduction of the MA60 firefighting airplanes is expected to significantly bolster the country’s efforts in safeguarding its natural landscapes and supporting communities in times of crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
