Initial batch production of China's AG600 amphibious aircraft begins

China's independently-developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has entered a new phase of initial batch production, according to its developer – the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on Tuesday.

The nose section of the first batch-produced AG600 aircraft was delivered on June 30, said AVIC, the country's leading aircraft manufacturer. 

This marks a transition point for the AG600 aircraft, as it moves from the development phase to batch production, the developer added.

According to AVIC, the production of the aircraft nose lasted about three months. The Central and Southern Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China has carried out the airworthiness compliance inspection for the manufacturing of this large part.

Following this, the final assembly of this AG600 aircraft will be carried out by the AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

AVIC stated that the AG600 aircraft aims to obtain its type certificate by the end of this year. After the AG600 aircraft obtains its type certificate, it will then be delivered to the customer.

It added that four AG600 airplanes, meant for test flight use, are currently undergoing airworthiness flight test missions across the country to verify this new type of aircraft's performance and compliance with airworthiness standards.

A vast country with complex landforms, China has been continuously strengthening its capabilities in the air emergency rescue sector.

China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) has proposed the improvement of the national emergency management system by strengthening and enhancing air rescue system options and capabilities.

The AG600 large amphibious aircraft family is being developed as vital advanced aeronautical equipment to strengthen the country's emergency rescue capabilities, according to the developer.

This aircraft family is tailored to carry out rescue missions such as firefighting and maritime search and rescue in all types of terrains across the country.

The AG600 series of amphibious aircraft features a unique configuration consisting of an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-bottom-shaped lower body.

According to AVIC, the AG600 aircraft family is being developed with a focus on amphibious capability, versatility across multiple models, and serialized development.

This large amphibious aircraft can be equipped with facilities to meet diversified demands from users in fields such as marine environment monitoring, resource detection, passenger and cargo transportation and more, the developer said.