The AG600M-1003 and 1005, independently developed by Zhuhai-headquartered Aviation Industry Corporation of China, arrived in Zhuhai on Oct 31 for the upcoming 14th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), which will take place from Nov 8 to 13.

The two aircraft will stage a water dropping and a static performance during Airshow China, marking the debut of the AG600M at the event.

Code-named Kunlong, the AG600M is a firefighting variant belonging to the AG600 large amphibious aircraft family. Its upper part is shaped like an aircraft, while the bottom part resembles a ship, with two float bowls installed under the wings, making it possible to take off and land on both land and water.

The AG600M-1003 and 1005 arrive in Zhuhai [Photo by Zhong Fan / Guanhai App]

Its four water tanks can carry up to 12 metric tons of water and drop it onto fire in four seconds if all eight cabin doors open at the same time, creating a strong water "bomb." The water tanks can also be opened one by one to drop three tons of water at the marginal areas of a fire site to form isolation strips and prevent the spread of fire.

The aircraft flew and landed onto the water from Jingmen's Zhanghe Airport in Hubei Province, took off, as well as completed a series of test missions before landing on water at the Zhanghe Reservoir after an 18-minute flight on Sept 27. It collected 12 tons of water during the high-speed sliding on the water test in 15 seconds.

Purchase agreements for six AG600M aircraft were signed that day, making an important step forward for the aircraft in terms of market expansion and practical application.