China has successfully flown the AG600 amphibious aircraft, which is claimed to be the largest in the world on Sunday (24/12/2017).
The seaplane, nicknamed Kunlong, took off from Zhuhai airport in the southern province of Guangding, located on the coast of the South China Sea, and was broadcast live on national television.
The plane flew for an hour before landing again to the accompaniment of struggle music and people carrying Chinese flags.
Successfully Launching China's State Aviation Industry Company took almost eight years to develop the amphibious aircraft. China developed and built the aircraft as part of its military modernization program.
Apart from that, it is also to deal with disputes in territorial waters such as the South China Sea. The AG600 aircraft can be designed to be used in rescue efforts at sea, as well as to deal with forest fires.
Apart from that, the official national media statement also wrote about its potential use in the waters of the South Chin Sea which are often disputed with Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei.
The AG600's lead designer, Huang Lingcai, said the world's largest seaplane could make a round trip without refueling from the southernmost island in Hainan province to James Shoal, which is claimed by China but is located near Sarawak, Malaysia.
The AG600 aircraft has a wingspan of 38.8 meters, and is supported by four propulsion engines. The plane can carry up to 50 people and can stay in the air for 12 hours.
"The maiden flight was a success and placed China among the countries in the world capable of producing large amphibious aircraft," Huang Lingcai told Xinhua. It is reported that there have been 17 orders for this aircraft from the government and private companies in China.
