China’s multirole AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft has received early approval for its firefighting capabilities, paving the way for type certification in 2024. Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic) announced the approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China this week as it continues with the development of an aircraft that will also be used for various emergency response missions, including maritime search and rescue.
The latest test flights focused on a series of water-drop operations involving loads of three, six, and 12 tonnes (up to 26,400 pounds) of water while verifying the AG600's performance and firefighting capabilities. Trials were carried out at altitudes ranging from 75 feet to 328 feet, with speeds reaching between 137 mph to 176 mph, according to the OEM.
Avic's four-engine turboprop AG600 will continue to undergo flight and ground trials this year as it progresses toward securing airworthiness certification. In the first half of 2023, the AG600 test program completed 172 flight missions with three aircraft, racking up 430 flight hours. These trials took place in multiple Chinese cities, including Zhuhai, Pucheng, Jingmen, Anshun, Liupanshui, and Xichang.
In a separate development, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency recently certified Avic’s Harbin Y-12F, enabling the turboprop twin to expand its international reach. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines, the 19-seat commuter achieved type approval from the FAA in 2016.
Meanwhile, Avic subsidiary Xian Aircraft Industrial Corp., which produces the 60-seat MA600 twin turboprop regional airliner, is working on a larger MA700 version. Another division of the state-owned airframer, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, has had plans to develop a domestically-produced business jet referred to as the CBJ800 Pegasus, but little has been heard about this program since around 2016.