China’s aviation industry achieved a historic milestone as the AG600 Kunlong, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, received its official production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Wednesday. The certification ceremony in Zhuhai, Guangdong province marks the culmination of a 14-year national development program and positions China as the global leader in large-scale seaplane technology. With dimensions comparable to a Boeing 737—38.9 meters in length and 38.8 meters wingspan—the AG600 now stands ready to revolutionize maritime rescue and firefighting operations.
The certification paves the way for immediate commercial deployment, with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft already signing agreements with multiple government agencies. The Jilin Provincial Emergency Management Department secured AG600s for northeast China’s disaster response needs, while Zhejiang’s Jinhua city and Macau’s aviation authorities will employ the aircraft for coastal patrol and emergency missions. These partnerships demonstrate the seaplane’s versatility in addressing China’s diverse operational requirements across different geographical regions.
As the final member of China’s “large aircraft trilogy” alongside the Y-20 transport and C919 passenger jet, the AG600 represents extraordinary engineering achievement. Its development mobilized a national consortium of 312 research institutes and manufacturers, overcoming unique challenges in amphibious aerodynamics. The aircraft’s proven capabilities—demonstrated through rigorous testing including open-sea operations in the Yellow Sea and reservoir trials in Hubei province—showcase China’s growing prowess in specialized aviation sectors.
The AG600’s operational profile combines the payload capacity of large transport aircraft with unique maritime capabilities. Its 53.5-ton maximum takeoff weight enables missions impossible for conventional seaplanes, including long-range search-and-rescue operations covering 4,500 kilometers and firefighting sorties capable of scooping 12 tons of water in 20 seconds. Aviation analysts note the certification positions China to potentially dominate the global market for heavy amphibious aircraft, filling a niche that Western manufacturers have largely abandoned since the 1970s.
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