Alex Sarnoff 
The Aviation Industry Corp of China announced that two prototypes of the AG600M, the firefighting version of China’s AG600 seaplane, have completed test flights in extremely cold conditions.
According to a statement released by the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, the two AG600M prototypes arrived at Hulunbuir Hailar Airport in Inner Mongolia in late January and underwent a series of test flights from the airport.
These tests, conducted over a period of approximately two weeks, assessed the AG600M’s performance and capabilities in temperatures ranging from -20°C to -40°C. The test crew also evaluated operational procedures for cold weather conditions, as stated by AVIC.
The AG600M project team plans to conduct additional test flights across the country to achieve certification for the aircraft type from the Civil Aviation Administration of China by the end of this year, AVIC confirmed.
Following the completion of airworthiness certification procedures, initial deliveries are anticipated to commence before 2025, according to AVIC.
The AG600M model conducted its inaugural land-based test flight in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in May 2022. Subsequently, its first water-based test flight occurred in Jingmen, Hubei province, in August of the same year.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 60 metric tons, the AG600M can swiftly collect 12 tons of water from lakes or seas within 20 seconds during firefighting operations, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. The aircraft boasts a flight range of up to 4,500 kilometers.
Introduced with its maiden flight in December 2017, the base AG600 model represents China’s second amphibious aircraft model following the SH-5, which was developed in the 1970s for military purposes and has since been retired from service.
Measuring 37 meters in length and featuring a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 rivals the size of a Boeing 737 and stands as the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, surpassing Japan’s ShinMaywa US-2 and Russia’s Beriev Be-200.
