China just approved mass production of the world’s largest amphibious plane, the AG600 Kunlong. This plane is part of a plan to modernize China’s military.
The AG600 Kunlong can fly low and slow, making it perfect for fighting fires and rescuing people. It can take off and land on water, and has a special system to help it do so. This plane is as big as a Boeing 737 and can carry 50 people or 12 tons of water.
The plane has a range of 4500 km and can take off and land in waves up to two meters high. It’s designed for sea rescues and fighting forest fires. The AG600 Kunlong can even collect 12 tons of water in 20 seconds to fight fires.
What the AG600 Kunlong can do
- Fly low and slow for fire fighting and rescue
- Take off and land on water
- Carry 50 people or 12 tons of water
- Range of 4500 km
- Take off and land in waves up to two meters high
The Chinese government says this plane will help the country respond to emergencies better. A worker at the emergency management department in Jilin said the plane is “a great help” in fighting fires.
The AG600 Kunlong was first tested in 2017 and has been in development since 2009. It completed its first maritime test flight in 2020 and its first production test flight in May this year.
History of the AG600 Kunlong
- 2009: Development of the AG600 Kunlong started
- 2014: Construction of the prototype began
- 2017: First test flight
- 2020: First maritime test flight
- 2023: First production test flight
The AG600 Kunlong is a big step forward for China’s aviation industry. It shows the country is becoming more independent in making its own planes. The plane’s approval for mass production is a major milestone for China’s aviation sector.