China unveils world’s largest amphibious aircraft

China has completed the production of the world’s largest amphibious aircraft dubbed as the AG600.
It was unveiled by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in the southern port city of Zhuhai.
Key Features of AG600

• AG600, the massive seaplane is far larger than any other plane built for marine take-off and landing.
• The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and is around the size of a commercial plane Boeing 737.
• It has a maximum range of 4,500 km and is intended for fighting forest fires and performing marine rescues.
• It will be used for fighting forest fires and performing marine rescues. Besides, it will wean off China’s dependence on foreign aviation firms for amphibious aircrafts.
• It could potentially be used to display China’s ability to conduct a variety of operations in the disputed South China Sea.

Note: The wingspan of AG600 is considerably smaller than that of the H-4 Hercules which was designed in the 1940s to carry Allied troops into battle. It was also known as the Spruce Goose and was regarded as by far the largest seaplane ever built. It had made one only flight in 1947.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016