World’s largest amphibious aircraft AG600 undergoes high-risk test flights
- Designed for aerial firefighting
- It is the largest amphibian aircraft in the world
- Developed by Chinese state aircraft manufacturer – AVIC
Published on May 20, 2024 at 3:32 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on May 21, 2024 at 3:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The world’s largest seaplane, AG600 recently completed multiple high-risk flight tests.
These flight tests are vital for the aircraft’s safety and performance.
AG600 is technically an amphibious aircraft that can take off and land on solid ground and water.
The AG600 was developed for aerial firefighting and is the world’s largest seaplane (amphibious aircraft).
It has recently completed two high-risk test flights required to obtain airworthiness certification and type certification.
These tests include an airspeed calibration flight and a benchmark stall speed flight.
Developed by a Chinese state aircraft manufacturer – the AVIC AG600 completed its maiden flight in 2017.
The seaplane will mainly be used for forest fire-fighting, maritime enforcement missions, ocean monitoring and rescue.
It can transport up to 820,000 lb of water and douse any forest fire, just like this DC-10 Air Tanker.
The AG600, also known as TA-600, might soon be put into operation, once it gets the certification.
Both high-risk test flights are key for the AG600 amphibious aircraft’s airworthiness certification.
The airspeed-calibration flight test makes sure the aircraft can accurately acquire and process parameters of the surrounding atmospheric environment.
These parameters are important for accurate measurement of the speed and altitude of the seaplane.
The standard stall speed flight test also determines the minimum reference speed used by the aircraft.
It helps determine the minimum benchmark speed for the aircraft.
The test also notes the flight characteristics and performance of the aircraft in the stall state.
The AG600 amphibious aircraft is still nowhere near the Martin Mars seaplane, but it is still quite large.
However, if you want to see a much more interesting aerial/naval vehicle, we have got you covered.
Check out the Regent Seaglider that can float, foil, and fly at speeds of up to 180 mph.
Nalin Rawat
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
