China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft has completed its first certification flight test.
The test, conducted at a civil aircraft flight test center in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, was crucial for evaluating the aircraft’s airspeed calibration, performance, and safety. A specialized crew from the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority oversaw the flight test.
This aircraft, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is powered by four Dongan WJ-6 turboprop engines. The AG600 can stay aloft for up to 12 hours and carry up to 50 passengers.
Standing out for its size, the AG600 is the largest amphibious aircraft currently in operation, comparable in scale to narrow-body airliners such as the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320.
The aircraft’s first takeoff occurred on December 24, 2017, followed by another successful flight from Zhanghe Reservoir in 2018. In June 2024, AVIC commenced low-rate serial production of the AG600.