The world’s biggest amphibious aircraft has passed one of the most challenging airworthiness tests, bringing it a step closer to market entry, according to its Chinese developer.
Advertisement
Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic) said on Friday night that the AG600 Kunlong passed a minimum unstick speed test in an assessment carried out in Pucheng county, Shaanxi province, in the country’s northwest.
The test is essential to determining an aircraft’s safe take-off and landing speeds.
Avic said the successful completion of this test laid a solid foundation for the AG600’s subsequent safety flight tests and airworthiness certification.
“It means that the highest risk tests for the AG600 aircraft, including the flight flutter test – aimed at proving the structural strength and stability of the aircraft against fluttering – and the minimum manoeuvring speed in the air, have all been passed,” the corporation said.
01:37
China’s largest amphibious aircraft set to be in service by 2024 to help fight forest fires
China’s largest amphibious aircraft set to be in service by 2024 to help fight forest fires
The aircraft is a seaplane designed for maritime patrols and search and rescue operations. At roughly the size of a Boeing 737, the AG600 is the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, surpassing Japan’s ShinMaywa US-2 and Russia’s Beriev Be-200.
Advertisement