AVIC Completes AG600 Amphibian Prototype

China’s aircraft manufacturer, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has completed general assembly of the latest prototype of the AG600, one of the world’s largest amphibious aircraft.

According to Chinese media, the latest amphibious prototype AG600, also known as TA-600, rolled off the production line at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH) in China on December 26, 2021. Final assembly of the aircraft, serial number 1003, began on June 24 2021, and completed approximately six months later.

Compared to its predecessor, the B-002A, the nose of the latest prototype appears to have a steeper downward slope as well as a noticeably more bulbous upper body. The manufacturer also modified the shape of the cockpit windows and moved the door on the left side of the aircraft forward. It is now located near the flight deck.

The latest AG600 prototype also features some notable design tweaks. AVIC has added triangular hulls that can accommodate larger actuators under the trailing edge of the aircraft’s wings. Unlike the previous prototype, the latest AG600 is most notable for the small space under its nose and the beginning of the skirt under the fuselage.

The AG600 amphibious aircraft has been developed to perform multiple rescue missions on land and at sea, including firefighting, ocean monitoring, ocean rescue and offshore operations. The aircraft is capable of evacuating up to 50 people on board on a single mission at sea. The aircraft, which was first introduced in 2016 at its production facility in Zhuhai, is mostly intended for the domestic market in China. The plane made its maiden flight in 2017.

The AG600 belongs to the class of single-hull flying boats. With a total length of 36.9 m, a height of more than 12 m, and a wingspan of 38.8 m, the AG600 is one of the largest flying boats in the world, with a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tons on the runway and 49 tons on the water.

Powered by four WJ-6 turboprops and equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear, the aircraft can take off and land from 1,500 x 200 m (4,920 x 660 ft) in depth of 2.5 m (8.2 ft). As a massive amphibious aircraft, it is also capable of collecting about 12 tons (26,000 lb) of water in 20 seconds as well as transporting up to 370 tons (820,000 lb) of water in a single fuel tank.

As a major domestic large aircraft project, the progress of AG600 has been widely concerned. Under this background, the 12th Annual Civil Aircraft Industry International Forum 2022 will be held on May 26th – 27th, 2022, in Nanchang city, Jiangxi Province, China. You are welcome to participate.

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