Xilinhot: China’s independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has successfully completed all compliance flight tests for ground takeoff and landing in crosswind conditions, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
According to Qatar News Agency, the successful crosswind flight tests are significant for enhancing the AG600’s adaptability to complex environments and expanding its range of operation and application scenarios, AVIC stated. Two AG600 aircraft underwent these compliance flight tests in Xilinhot, northern China, and the results met all necessary requirements, verifying the aircraft’s safety and reliability in strong crosswind conditions.
AVIC also reported that the aircraft’s air intake system has passed its compliance flight test, alongside several other ground tests conducted in Xilinhot. Subsequently, one AG600 aircraft made a ferry flight to an airport in Jiagedaqi, located in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. It will be stationed there to serve a forest protection scientific research mission, as per its developer.
The AG600 is recognized as the world’s largest civil amphibious aircraft based on its maximum takeoff weight of 60 tonnes. It is capable of carrying 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions. The aircraft has also obtained its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking its successful development and entry into the market.