China's groundbreaking AG600 amphibious aircraft has officially entered the flight certification test phase, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aerospace advancements. Announced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on Tuesday, the AG600 is set to enhance China's emergency rescue capabilities.
The Airworthiness Certification Center of the Aviation Administration of China has granted the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) to the first model of the AG600 family. This approval signifies that the aircraft's configuration and safety performance meet the stringent TIA requirements, paving the way for final airworthiness certification.
Prior to receiving the TIA, four AG600 aircraft were deployed for rigorous airworthiness compliance flight tests. These tests are crucial in ensuring the aircraft's readiness for diverse missions.
The AG600 is China's first independently developed large-sized special-purpose civil aircraft, designed for missions such as forest firefighting, maritime rescue, and other emergency operations. Its unique design features an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-shaped lower body, enhancing its amphibious capabilities.
Since the tech demonstrator's maiden flight in 2017, the AG600 has achieved several key milestones, including its first take-off from a reservoir in 2018 and its maiden sea flight in 2020. AVIC emphasizes that the development of the AG600 family represents a significant leap in China's civil aeronautical technology, reinforcing the nation's ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and advancing the overall emergency-rescue aeronautical equipment system.
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China's AG600 amphibious aircraft begins certification flight tests
cgtn.com
