China's AG600 Amphibious Aircraft Kunlong Secures Type Certificate For Market Entry

The AG600, a large amphibious aircraft known as Kunlong, recently received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification allows it to enter the market. According to China Central Television (CCTV), this approval confirms the design and components of the world's largest newly-developed amphibious aircraft.

With a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes, the AG600 can carry up to 12 tons of water. It cruises at a minimum speed of 220 kilometers per hour and has a range of 4,500 kilometers. This makes it suitable for various rescue missions across different terrains in China.

The AG600 is designed to perform emergency rescue operations, including firefighting and maritime search and rescue. Its unique structure allows it to operate from both land and water. "The AG600 has a fuselage with a structure similar to boat hull, and a pair of floats under its wings to provide lateral stability during water operations. Meanwhile, it has a stepped hull bottom and anti-wave grooves at the front of the fuselage. It also has a high-strut landing gear on both sides of the fuselage. Thanks to these unique designs, it can take off from both land and water," said Cheng Zhihang, Director of General Design Department at South China Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd under China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA).

Operating an aircraft from both land and water presents significant challenges due to differences in air and water density. The AG600 team tackled these challenges through extensive research and testing. Cheng Zhihang explained that they conducted numerous tests in water dynamics and wind tunnels to ensure the aircraft's shape met functional requirements.

The design process involved overcoming substantial technical difficulties in manufacturing. "Throughout the design process, we conducted thousands of tests in water dynamics and wind tunnels to ensure the aircraft's shape meets functional needs. We also overcame tremendous technical difficulties in the manufacturing process," said Cheng.

The AG600's development represents an important step for China's aviation industry. It enhances emergency response capabilities for natural disasters across diverse terrains.

With inputs from WAM