Massive Chinese Amphibious Firefighting Aircraft to Enter Production

Following steady development since its first flight in 2017, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) AG600 amphibious flying boat has been approved by Chinese aviation authorities for full-scale production. Powered by four 5,100-horsepower turboprop engines, the AG600 has a maximum takeoff weight of 118,000 pounds, making it heavier than a Boeing 717. Its wingspan is similar to that of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

 
While marketed as a solution for both maritime search and rescue and aerial firefighting, it was specifically engineered for the latter and is capable of scooping 3,118 gallons of water from the surfaces of large bodies of water between drops.

The AG600 distinguishes itself through its size and water capacity. Its closest comparable platform, the De Havilland Canadair 515, also offers the ability to scoop water to replenish its tanks, but carries only about half the volume of the AG600, underscoring the AG600’s unmatched operational capability.

With production greenlighted, existing Canadair operators may opt to supplement their fleets with the larger AG600. Presently, the operators with the most extensive fleets include Canada, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Spain.