AVIC begins low-rate AG600 production
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has begun low-rate initial batch production of its AG600 large amphibious aircraft
Final assembly is being carried out at AVIC’s General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co facility in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.
AVIC is currently awaiting the receipt of a type certificate for the AG600, which it expects to obtain by the end of the year. Four test aircraft are currently undergoing test flight use to verify airworthiness, with AVIC conducting its first nighttime test flight in mid-May.
Following the type certification, it will then begin delivering the first batch of aircraft to operators.
The AG600 is designed to support missions such as aerial firefighting and maritime search and rescue, and will be used by the Chinese government to strengthen its national emergency management system.
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.