Zhuhai-made 'whale of a plane' passes on-water test

China's independently developed Kunlong AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, completed a taxi-on-water test in Jingmen of Hubei Province on Aug 30 in final preparation for its first water takeoff.

The aircrew reported stable performance when launching and exiting the water at Zhanghe Airport and that all systems functioned as expected. 

AG600 about to undergo aquatic test

Risk assessment, emergency drills, a status review, and security checks were conducted prior to the test, according to Zhuhai-headquartered China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) Co, the manufacturer.

The AG600 made a trial flight from Zhuhai, where it was assembled, to Jingmen on Aug 26.

Intended for marine missions and fighting forest fires, the AG600 has a body with a large aspect ratio and features a deep V-shaped single hull structure. The plane -- which can take off from land or water -- is seen as an aviation "milestone" for the country, according to Xinhua News.

Taxiing on water

Returning to land [Photos provided by CAIGA]