Giant rescue plane gets readied for 'higher' grade

The world's largest amphibious aircraft, AG600, passed its first official low-speed taxi trial at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport on May 20. Only late last month, the aircraft performed well in its initial ground taxi test.

The latest tests cover taxing, turning, braking, and radio communication. The low-speed taxi tests will be followed by medium- and high-speed examinations and are key steps toward the maiden flight.

Huang Lingcai, general designer of the AG600, called the first-day results satisfactory within a full range of normal parameters. In all, there are 20 exam periods over ten days, weather permitting. The aircraft maiden flight is expected to take place in July, according to Huang.

AG600 in low-speed taxi test 

Designed by the Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), manufacture of the AG600 rescue aircraft was conducted under the coordination of China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) in Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park near the airport in Jinwan.

Rescue craft lifts off

Development and manufacture of the aircraft had to be approved by the State Council. It is the first large special-use airplane made in line with the regulations of China's civil aviation. It also is the world's largest amphibious aircraft.

The medium- and high-speed taxi trials, including both land and water takeoffs and landings, will all take place in Jinwan.

AG600 readied for maiden flight [Photos courtesy hkzs1958]