AVIC AG600

AG600
AG600 (front) and Y-20 was waiting for Airshow China 2016 opening
Role Utility amphibious flying boat
National origin China
Manufacturer Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Design group China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA)
First flight forecast for the end of 2015[1]
Status Under development



The AVIC AG600, also known as TA-600, is a large amphibious flying boat that is being designed and built in China by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).[2]

Design and development

The AG600 is reportedly the largest amphibious aircraft currently being built.[3] CAIGA, which has started work on the prototype AG600, has announced that the aircraft will have a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 t (53,500 kg; 118,000 lb) and a maximum range of over 5,000 km (3,100 mi).[3] The aircraft will have a wingspan of 38.8 metres (127 ft) and will be powered by four turboprop engines.[4] the first flight was initially forecast for 2015[5] but was postponed until 2016. The forward fuselage was completed in 2015.[6] The prototype was rolled out on 23 July 2016 at the Zhuhai AVIC factory.[7]

AVIC states that the AG600 will be suitable for aerial firefighting dropping 12 tonnes of water, and search and rescue operations for 50 passengers.[6] Sources also note that the aircraft could also have strategic value in the South China Sea, which has been subject to various territorial disputes.[4][5] Commentaries in China note that the aircraft was specifically designed to defend China's interests in the South China Sea area.[8][9]

The manufacturer has indicated that they expect export sales of the aircraft and that island countries, including New Zealand and Malaysia have expressed interest.[10]

Specifications (AG600)

Data from AerospaceTechnology.com, Popular Science, Flight Global, Guo and militaryfactory.com, AVIC[3][4][11][12][13][14]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ Yan pei. "AG600 advances with mid-fuselage completion". china.org.cn. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Beijing building world's largest amphibious aircraft amid South China Sea tensions". International Business Times. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "World's largest amphibious aircraft goes into production". AerospaceTechnology.com. 28 July 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 Lin, Jeffrey; Singer, P.W. (29 July 2014). "China is Building the World's Largest Sea Plane". Popular Science. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  5. 1 2 Grady, Mary (18 August 2014). "CAIGA To Produce Biggest Amphibious Airplane". AVweb. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  6. 1 2 Polek, Gregory (20 March 2015). "AVIC builds forward fuselage of first AG600 amphibian". Aviation International News. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  7. ↑ "La Chine présente l'AG600, son avion amphibie". journal-aviation.com. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  8. ↑ "中国又一款大飞机曝光：意向订单仅20架 赔本赚吆喝？". eastday.com. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  9. ↑ "中国又一款大飞机曝光：意向订单仅20架 赔本赚吆喝？ - 再三再四网". z3z4.com. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  10. ↑ "China starts assembly of world's largest amphibious aircraft". the People's Daily (English Edition). 20 July 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  11. ↑ "China TA-600 amphibian eyes first flight in 2015 - 8/5/2014". Flight Global. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  12. ↑ "AVIC TA-600 / AG-600 - Flying Boat / Maritime Patrol / Search and Rescue - History, Specs and Pictures - Military Aircraft". militaryfactory.com. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  13. ↑ Guo, Miao; Liu, Tao. "AG600机头交付 我国成当今世界最大水上飞机制造国". 光明网 (in Chinese). Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  14. ↑ "AG600 to Complete Final Assembly for Maiden Flight". avic.com. Retrieved 25 July 2016.

External links

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