World's Largest Amphibious Aircraft Cleared for Liftoff
China’s aviation sector just leveled up! The AG600 'Kunlong' – a firefighting, water-landing marvel – has been greenlit for mass production after securing certification this week. Think of it as a superhero plane 🦸♂️: it can scoop 12 tons of water in 20 seconds to battle wildfires!
By the Numbers
This beast measures nearly 39 meters long (that’s longer than a blue whale! 🐋) and carries a max weight of 60 tons – equal to 50 compact cars. With a 4,500km range, it’s built to dominate both sea and sky.
Tech Meets Teamwork
Developed by AVIC since 2009, the Kunlong involved thousands of components and hundreds of teams. Talk about squad goals! 💪 Future plans? Expanding China’s emergency response network with more AG600s – because climate challenges demand next-gen solutions.
Why It Matters
Beyond firefighting, this aircraft showcases China’s growing prowess in specialized aviation tech. From its first reservoir takeoff (2018) to sea trials (2020), the Kunlong’s journey mirrors the country’s push for self-reliance in critical infrastructure.
Reference(s):
China's amphibious AG600 aircraft greenlighted for mass production
cgtn.com