AVIC AG600 firefighting plane receives CAAC approval
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has awarded type certification to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC’s) AG600 firefighting aircraft
The approval by CAAC will allow the AVIC AG600 – China’s first independently developed large amphibious firefighting aircraft – to enter regular operation.
The aircraft is designed to meet the needs of China’s national emergency rescue system, supporting its response to natural disasters while navigating its diverse landscapes.
The AG600 has a length of 38.9 meters, a height of 11.7 meters, and a wingspan of 38.8 meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tonnes, and can carry 12 tonnes of water.
It is capable of speeds of 220km/h, and has range of 4,500km.
Development of the AG600 was launched in 2009, with the aircraft entering low-rate production in July 2024. AVIC stated that it aims to obtain a production certificate for the aircraft type by the end of August, and deliver its first unit in October.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.