China rolled out the first prototype of its indigenous AG600 amphibious aircraft, currently largest of the kind in the world. Design...
China rolled out the first prototype of its indigenous AG600 amphibious aircraft, currently largest of the kind in the world.
Designed and built by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) the AG600 is a amphibian with a single hull fuselage that enable it to take off and land from water, high mounted cantilever wings, T tail-wing, and tricycle landing gear for operating from land.
The "twin float" design, with one float mounted beneath each wing imparts horizontal stability while operating from water.
With a length of 36.9 m, wingspan of 38.8 m and height of 12.1 m, AG600 has a maximum weight of 53.5 tonnes.
Resembling the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian, the AG600 is powered by four Chinese WJ-6 turboprop engines, which are license built Ivchenko AI-20 engines rated at 3800 kW.
In its fire fighting role, the AG600 can scoop 12 tons of water from sea within 20 seconds and drop over fire zones from a minimum altitude of 50 m, and during sea rescue missions, it can transport 50 persons and operate during waves of 2 m high.
The aircraft has a maximum range of 4500 km and can operate from speeds ranging from 220-560 kmph with a service ceiling of 6000 m.
AVIC says the type has receieved 17 orders and first flight is expected by year end.
The "twin float" design, with one float mounted beneath each wing imparts horizontal stability while operating from water.
With a length of 36.9 m, wingspan of 38.8 m and height of 12.1 m, AG600 has a maximum weight of 53.5 tonnes.
Resembling the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian, the AG600 is powered by four Chinese WJ-6 turboprop engines, which are license built Ivchenko AI-20 engines rated at 3800 kW.
In its fire fighting role, the AG600 can scoop 12 tons of water from sea within 20 seconds and drop over fire zones from a minimum altitude of 50 m, and during sea rescue missions, it can transport 50 persons and operate during waves of 2 m high.
 |
| License built WJ-6 turboprop |
AVIC says the type has receieved 17 orders and first flight is expected by year end.
