Huge amphibious plane flies like a charm in Zhuhai

China's first home-grown amphibious aircraft, the 36.9-m-long AG600, made a successful maiden flight in Zhuhai on Dec 24, setting another milestone in development of the country's civil aviation industry.

At 9:39 am, the aircraft, code named Kunlong, took off from southwest Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport piloted by captain Zhao Sheng and co-pilot Chen Ming. The other two crew members were machinist Wei Peng and supervisor Sun Kangning.

During the smooth 64-minute flight at an altitude of 3 km, the aircraft crew completed scheduled tests including preliminary systems inspection, basic control performance, and simulated landing before returning to the ground at 10:43 am. 

AG600 maiden flight completed in Zhuhai [Photo by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]

Chen Yuanxian, vice-general manager of Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) and administrative commander of the project, declared the maiden flight a complete success.

AVIC is the developer of the AG600. China's leading aircraft maker undertook the nation's ambition of becoming a top-tier player in the global aviation sector after its project proposal was approved by the central government in June 2009.

Vice-Premier Ma Kai pointed out in a speech at a ceremony celebrating the event that the success of the AG600 maiden flight is only a critical part of the development process and that follow-up tasks remain arduous.

Powered by four domestically built turboprop engines, the aircraft has a range of 12 hours and 5,000 km (3,100 miles) with speeds of up to 570 kph (354 mph) and maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tons.

China's first large amphibious aircraft is designed to carry out maritime rescues, fight forest fires, and monitor the sea. The AG600 can carry 50 people during maritime search-and-rescue missions, and scoop up 12 metric tons of water within 20 seconds for firefighting.

Ma said that all involved personnel should vigorously research and pursue development of amphibious aircraft in order to accelerate construction of an aviation powerhouse.

For instance, he called for a sustained focus on quality, continuous input of scientific, technological, and airworthiness certification innovation, and strengthened ability to access markets, all of which would contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and realization of the "China Dream."

A congratulatory letter sent by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council was read out at the ceremony. The congratulatory message says the large special-purposed amphibious AG600 is the first of its kind developed in line with domestic airworthiness regulations and requirements set for civil aviation.

The aircraft is described in the letter as an urgent need of the country's emergency rescue system. It is also hailed as a major milestone in developing special-purpose aircraft following the maiden flight of the large C919 passenger jet in May.

Other officials and representatives attending the event included Guangdong Party Chief Li Xi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee; Ding Xuedong, deputy secretary-general of the State Council; Miao Wei, minister of Industry & Information Technology; Xiao Yaqing, head of the State-Owned Assets Supervision & Administration Commission; Guangdong Gov Ma Xingrui; Xin Guobin, vice minister of Industry & Information Technology; Liu Wei, vice minister of Finance; Li Jian, deputy head of the Civil Aviation Administration; Li Shuming, deputy head of the State Forestry Administration; and Zhou Xianwang, vice governor of Hubei Province.

Tan Ruisong, deputy secretary of the Party Leadership Group of AVIC and general manager; Li Benzheng of the Party Leadership Group of AVIC and vice-general manager; Li Yao of the Party Leadership Group of AVIC and chief accountant, and Zhuhai Party Chief Guo Yuanqiang were also present.