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China's self-built firefighting aircraft completes first test flight
CGTN
A plane dropping water on the forest fire. /CFP
A plane dropping water on the forest fire. /CFP

A plane dropping water on the forest fire. /CFP

China's self-developed Modern Ark 60 (MA60) firefighting aircraft has completed its inaugural test flight, laying the foundation for the subsequent phases of development flight testing, qualification approval flight testing and airworthiness certification, said the developer Aviation Industry Corporation of China on Monday.

As a multi-purpose aircraft, the plane is a large- and medium-sized fixed-wing plane with independent intellectual property rights.

It is able to conduct water bombing, aerial communication and command as well as fire prevention and monitoring. It has the ability to quickly switch between the functions of transportation and fire extinguishing system, and can undertake emergency personnel rescue tasks and material transportation.

Featuring fast cruise speed, long flight range, high reliability and robust service support system, the plane provides significant advantages in the transportation of disaster relief materials and long-distance cross-regional aircraft deployment.

With its development started in June 2021, the jet is expected to obtain the airworthiness certification this year.

Tasks including overall electrical inspection, landing gear control and engine testing were conducted before the maiden test flight.

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