China advances development of AG600 large amphibious aircraft

China's indigenously developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has achieved continuous progress with multiple test planes entering the manufacturing phase, according to its developer.

An AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft flies over the sea off Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Major large parts of the No.3 AG600 test aircraft and some test parts for iron-bird tests have recently entered the manufacturing phase, said state-owned planemaker the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

These major large parts include the nose, middle fuselage and rear fuselage of the AG600 test aircraft, which will carry out the following tests for the large amphibious aircraft model.

Iron bird tests are essential to the designer and the authorities to verify an aircraft model, major parts and airborne systems on the ground.

The AG600 large amphibious aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in 2017, its first takeoff from a water reservoir in 2018, and its maiden flight over sea in 2020.