China's independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has successfully completed a rigorous flight test, enduring extreme high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the nation's leading aircraft manufacturer, confirmed the achievement on Thursday.
The AG600 underwent a demanding 2.5-hour flight test on Tuesday at an airport in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Prior to the flight, the aircraft was exposed to the sun for five hours in an environment averaging over 35°C with humidity levels exceeding 44%. This challenging setup was designed to test the aircraft's hydraulic system's performance under such extreme conditions.
All systems performed exceptionally well during the test, marking a significant milestone in the AG600's certification process. AVIC aims to secure the certification by the end of this year, paving the way for further advancements and deployments.
In addition to the recent high-temperature test, four AG600 aircraft are currently undergoing comprehensive airworthiness tests across the country to ensure their performance and compliance with international standards. Earlier this year, in February, the AG600 successfully completed a cold-weather flight test in Inner Mongolia, demonstrating its versatility in various climates.
The AG600 series features a unique design that integrates an aircraft-shaped upper body with a ship-bottom-shaped lower body. This configuration is specifically tailored to execute rescue missions, including firefighting and maritime search and rescue, across diverse terrains. As vital advanced aeronautical equipment, the AG600 enhances China's emergency rescue capabilities, contributing to both national and international safety and response efforts.
Moving forward, an AG600 will travel to a civil aircraft test center in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province, to undergo additional testing and related missions, further validating its readiness for operational deployment.
Reference(s):
China's AG600 amphibious plane passes extreme temperature flight test
cgtn.com
