With all its controversies, one thing is certain, China has proven its achievements in terms of making seaplanes, namely through the presence of the AG-600 Flying Boat produced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The AG-600 is the largest seaplane in the world today, whose prototype (first) first flew on 24 December 2017, followed by a successful first take-off test from the water in late 2020.
However, before going into the full production phase, AVIC plans to build four prototype units. After the first prototype, AVIC is reported to have launched the second prototype of the AG-600, namely by making its maiden flight on September 10, 2022 in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, southern China.
The second prototype AG-600 is labeled as Kunlong. AVIC said the AG-600 was designed to meet the requirements of maritime rescue missions, firefighting missions, emergency rescue operations and support military operations.
According to AVIC, the aircraft was operating well, and the system was stable for 22 minutes of the maiden flight. The AG-600 is the first large special aircraft from China to be built to civil aircraft airworthiness standards.
The AG-600 is part of China's latest five-year plan, which covers the period from 2021 to 2025. If the AG-600 were to be deployed on Hainan Island, it would likely take four hours to travel anywhere in the South China Sea.
Analysts believe that the AG-600 will be tasked with transporting passengers and cargo on the outer islands controlled by China. The principle of prudence and prudence became important in the development of the AG-600 which was mandated as a strategic and tactical vehicle for the Chinese military.
Although not only for military purposes, but for the Chinese military, the AG-600 can be used to support its expansion and influence campaign in the South China Sea region.
The AG-600 is powered by four WJ-6 turbopropeller engines, each engine capable of producing 5,103 HP, the AG-600 has a flying range of up to 5,000 km. The propeller blades have also adopted the type of six bladed constant speed propellers.
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| Amphibious Aircraft AG-600 'Kunlong' |
According to AVIC, a total of four AG-600M prototypes will be built. The third and fourth AG-600M prototypes are expected to fly for the first time in November 2022 and early 2023, respectively. According to AVIC, the AG-600M will start carrying out forest firefighting missions in 2023 and will enter the market in 2025.
At first glance, the appearance of the AG-600 is identical to the US-2, carrying four propeller engines, even the design of the legs also looks similar. The AG-600 is prepared to take off with a maximum weight of 53.5 tons.
To carry out the water bombing mission, the AG-600 is capable of sucking up 12 tons of water in 20 seconds. For SAR missions, the AVIC said the AG-600 can evacuate 50 people at sea at one time.
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