Beijing, October 5, 2025 (Agencies): China has successfully completed the production test flight of the third batch-produced AG600 Kunlong (1103) amphibious aircraft, marking a major step forward in the country’s push to develop large-scale emergency rescue and firefighting aviation capabilities. The aircraft, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is the world’s largest civil amphibious aircraft by maximum takeoff weight.
According to Science and Technology Daily, the successful flight signals the AG600 program’s transition from the type certification stage to small-batch production. The second batch-produced aircraft (1102) completed its test flight in August, while the forward fuselage section of the fourth aircraft (1105) has already been delivered to AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co for further assembly.
The AG600 Kunlong is designed to meet urgent operational needs for forest firefighting and maritime rescue missions. Its ability to take off and land on both land and water gives it a strategic edge in responding to emergencies across diverse terrains.
In parallel with the aircraft’s development, the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the China Aero-Space Tooling Association have issued the country’s first technical standards for water scooping sites specific to the AG600 series. Led by AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co, these standards fill a gap in both domestic and international regulations.
The new specifications outline key technical parameters and operational limits on factors such as wind speed, wave height, and visibility, ensuring the safety and efficiency of water scooping operations. The standards are set to take effect on November 1 and have already been preliminarily applied at water scooping sites in Jilin and Zhejiang provinces.
The AG600 program is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its indigenous aviation capabilities and develop advanced aircraft for emergency response, environmental protection, and maritime operations.