The AG600, a large-scale special-purpose civil aircraft designed to assist with forest firefighting and water rescues, is the third member of China’s “large aircraft family” following the large freighter Y-20 and large passenger aircraft C919. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the aircraft is powered by four domestically designed turboprop engines and is roughly the size of a Boeing 737. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tonnes. The aircraft is designed for both land and water takeoffs and landings. The lower part of the aircraft body is designed as a “V” structure to improve its anti-wave ability. When used to help put out a forest fire, it is able to collect 12 tonnes of water at a time and make multiple trips to fetch water. When used to help put out a forest fire, it is able to collect 12 tonnes of water at a time and make multiple trips to fetch water. The aircraft can reach 1500 km and carry out sea rescue operations under complex meteorological conditions and can withstand two-meter-high waves. It is capable of carrying 50 people during a maritime search and rescue mission.

CAS news release, October 22, 2018