China rolls out AG600 amphibian
The AG600, a new amphibian aircraft from the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA), enjoyed its official rollout from a factory in Zhuhai, southern China, on 23 July.
The ‘Jiaolong’ (Water Dragon) aircraft is the largest of its type in the world, with a maximum take-off weight of 53.5t. It measures 37m long and has a wingspan of 38.8m, which is comparable to a Boeing 737 airliner.
The AG600 is larger than both the ShinMaywa US-2 from Japan and the Beriev Be-200 from Russia.
China lists missions such as fighting forest fires, maritime search and rescue (SAR), monitoring of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration]()
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
