China has completed the production of the world’s largest amphibious aircraft dubbed as the AG600.
It was unveiled by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in the southern port city of Zhuhai.
Key Features of AG600
- AG600, the massive seaplane is far larger than any other plane built for marine take-off and landing.
- The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and is around the size of a commercial plane Boeing 737.
- It has a maximum range of 4,500 km and is intended for fighting forest fires and performing marine rescues.
- It will be used for fighting forest fires and performing marine rescues.
- Besides, it will wean off China’s dependence on foreign aviation firms for amphibious aircrafts.
- It could potentially be used to display China’s ability to conduct a variety of operations in the disputed South China Sea.
Note:
- The wingspan of AG600 is considerably smaller than that of the H-4 Hercules which was designed in the 1940s to carry Allied troops into battle.
- It was also known as the Spruce Goose and was regarded as by far the largest seaplane ever built.
- It had made one only flight in 1947.