China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft completes crosswind flight tests

BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China's independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has successfully completed all compliance flight tests in the ground takeoff and landing in crosswind conditions, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The successful crosswind flight tests are significant to the further enhancement of the AG600's adaptability to complex environments, and to the expansion of its operation and application scenario ranges, said AVIC, the country's leading aircraft manufacturer.

Strong crosswinds are inevitable meteorological conditions during aircraft operations. When they are encountered, takeoff and landing become significantly more difficult, and equipment malfunction risks rise accordingly.

Two AG600 aircraft recently underwent crosswind compliance flight tests in Xilinhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The results of these tests met requirements, fully verifying the safety and reliability of the AG600 in strong crosswind conditions, AVIC said.

The aircraft's air intake system has passed its compliance flight test, and several other ground tests have been carried out in Xilinhot.

Following these tests, one AG600 aircraft undertook a ferry flight to an airport in Jiagedaqi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. It will be stationed there to serve a forest protection scientific research mission, according to its developer.

The AG600 is the world's largest civil amphibious aircraft in terms of takeoff weight -- a maximum of 60 tonnes. Notably, it is capable of carrying 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions.

The aircraft has obtained its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking its successful development and market entry approval. ■