World’s Largest Civilian Amphibious Aircraft Receives Type Approval, Paving Way for Firefighting and Rescue Missions Worldwide After Rigorous Development
New York, N.Y. — China’s aviation sector achieved a historic breakthrough as the AG600 Kunlong, the world’s largest domestically developed amphibious aircraft, secured its Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This milestone, announced by state broadcaster CCTV, validates the aircraft’s airworthiness and readiness for commercial operations, positioning China as a leader in specialized aviation technology. The certification culminates a 15-year development journey involving thousands of engineers and nationwide collaboration, underscoring China’s growing prowess in high-tech manufacturing.
Engineering Excellence Over Nature’s Challenges
The AG600’s design conquers one of aerospace’s most complex problems: seamlessly transitioning between air and water. With air density nearly 800 times lower than water, engineers at state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) conducted over 10,000 tests in wind tunnels and hydrodynamics labs.
Innovations like a boat-shaped hull, wave-suppression grooves, and wingtip floaters ensure stability in turbulent seas. Cheng Zhihang, AVIC’s project lead, emphasized these features enable efficient navigation in both environments—critical for missions like firefighting, where the aircraft can scoop 12 tons of water in 20 seconds.
National Collaboration Fuels Innovation
Development united 22 provinces, 292 enterprises, and 16 universities, creating a self-reliant supply chain for the aircraft’s airframe, engines, and avionics. Huang Lingcai, the AG600’s chief designer, hailed the project as a “tough nut to crack” due to its unprecedented scale.
Unlike legacy global models, the Kunlong meets modern airworthiness standards for specialized operations, reflecting China’s commitment to practical, market-driven solutions. Wang Yanan of Aerospace Knowledge noted, “This isn’t just for domestic use—it’s engineered for international demand.”
Versatility Meets Global Market Needs
The AG600’s 60-ton frame supports a 4,500-km range and 220-km/h cruising speed, enabling diverse roles from island logistics to maritime law enforcement. Huang Lingcai confirmed plans for variant models to address emergencies like tsunamis or oil spills.
With deliveries set for October following an August Production Certificate, AVIC targets forestry agencies and coastal nations vulnerable to disasters. The aircraft’s commercial appeal lies in cost efficiency: one Kunlong can replace multiple smaller planes in firefighting fleets.
Strategic Leap in Aerospace Sovereignty
The certification signals China’s broader ambitions in aviation independence. CCTV highlighted how the AG600 closes a critical gap in China’s special-mission aircraft capabilities, joining the Y-20 transport and C919 passenger jet as pillars of national industrial strategy.
Wang Yanan stressed its role in boosting China’s “low-altitude economy,” projecting export potential to Southeast Asia and Africa. As AVIC prepares series production, the Kunlong exemplifies China’s shift from technology importer to innovator, with CAAC standards aligning with global benchmarks.
*China’s AG600 Kunlong, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, has received its type certificate from aviation regulators after 15 years of development. The milestone enables its use in firefighting, maritime rescue, and logistics, showcasing China’s advanced aerospace capabilities. With a 4,500-km range and ability to carry 12 tons of water, the Kunlong will enter service this year, marking a leap in specialized aviation technology.*
