Pull up a stool on the float, spin up the radios, and pour a coffee. Seaplane Sunday is our weekly hangar chat about one amphib — Past, Present, and Future.
Seaplane of the Sunday: AVIC AG600 “Kunlong”
Photo: China Aviation Industry Corporation (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
The AVIC AG600 “Kunlong” is the world’s largest amphibious aircraft currently in operation—designed for maritime rescue, firefighting, and transport. Developed by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), the Kunlong symbolizes the nation’s growing aerospace self-reliance and oceanic reach.
Development began in 2009 under AVIC, with the goal of replacing aging fleets and providing a home-grown amphibious platform for China’s vast coastline and island chains. The AG600 made its maiden flight in December 2017 and first water takeoff in 2020. Its design traces conceptual roots to classics like the ShinMaywa US-2 and Be-200, but on a much grander scale.
Specs: Length 39.6 m (130 ft), wingspan 38.8 m (127 ft), powered by four turboprops. Maximum takeoff weight ~60 tonnes; range ~4,500 km (2,800 mi).
The AG600 is now entering service with Chinese firefighting and maritime rescue agencies. Capable of scooping and dropping up to 12,000 liters (3,170 US gal) of water in a single run, it’s being tested for long-range patrol, search and rescue (SAR), and island supply duties in the South China Sea.
- Firefighting: Comparable to the CL-415 in role, but twice the payload.
- Maritime SAR: Designed to land in 2-meter swells and carry 50+ passengers or evacuees.
- Production: Assembly and flight testing continue at Zhuhai and Jingmen bases, with deliveries targeted for 2026 onward.
For Wind & Wireless, the AG600 represents the future of large-scale amphibious operations—a true Modern Sea Monster. We’ll track its integration into rescue, firefighting, and oceanographic missions, especially as China explores international export and dual-use science applications.
- Research watch: Potential adaptations for ocean mapping or atmospheric sampling.
- Engineering notes: Large amphib hull and four-engine layout provide key data points for future hybrid-electric amphib design studies.
- Global context: The AG600 joins a new generation of oceanic flyers alongside Japan’s US-2 and Europe’s DHC-515, signaling a revival of seaplane capability worldwide.
Learn More & Quick References
Quick references covering the AG600’s design, testing milestones, and global context.