World's Largest Sea-Land Aircraft Passes Flight Test

China has once again made headlines in global aviation. The AG600 'Kunlong', the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, has successfully passed its crosswind flight test — a major milestone that brings it closer to operational deployment.
This remarkable advancement showcases China's technological leap in both marine and aeronautical engineering.

• AG600 is the world’s largest amphibious aircraft developed by China.

• It has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tons and can operate from both land and water.

• Recently completed crosswind takeoff and landing tests — one of the most challenging flight conditions.

• Built for firefighting, maritime rescue, and environmental monitoring.

• Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The AG600, officially named Kunlong, is a game-changer in the field of amphibious aviation. It stands out due to its:

• Huge size: Wingspan of over 38.8 meters and length of 39.6 meters.

• Multi-role functionality: From saving lives during sea disasters to putting out massive forest fires.

• Amphibious nature: It can take off and land both on runways and water bodies — a rare capability in today’s aircraft.

This aircraft can scoop 12 tons of water in just 20 seconds and drop it over large wildfire zones. It also plays a pivotal role in search and rescue missions in the South China Sea and beyond.

The AG600 is powered by four WJ-6 turboprop engines and equipped with a high-wing design that provides greater clearance during water landings. It has a cruising speed of 500 km/h and a flight range of 4,500 kilometers, making it capable of flying from mainland China deep into maritime zones.

• Max Takeoff Weight: 60,000 kg

• Payload Capacity: 12,000 liters of water

• Endurance: Up to 12 hours

• Cruising Altitude: 10,000 feet

Crosswind conditions occur when winds blow at an angle to the aircraft’s direction during takeoff or landing. It’s one of the most difficult scenarios for pilots and aircraft stability.

AG600 successfully passed this test, proving it can:

• Land safely on rough seas and windy coastal areas.

• Remain stable during emergency landings on water.

• Be deployed during natural calamities like typhoons or sea storms.

This test paves the way for the AG600 to enter commercial service in the next few years.

The AG600 is not just a national pride for China — it’s also a strategic asset:

• Disaster Relief: Can respond quickly to tsunamis, floods, and forest fires.

• Military Surveillance: Ideal for patrolling disputed maritime areas.

• Diplomatic Soft Power: China could offer these aircraft to other nations for humanitarian missions.

Countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific have already shown interest in the AG600 for their coastal emergency needs.

“This aircraft changes the game for countries with long coastlines. The ability to launch rescue missions without needing an airport is a major upgrade in air-sea operations.” – Li Zheng, Senior Aviation Analyst

“We need aircraft that don’t depend on infrastructure. AG600 is exactly what flood-prone countries need.” – Farhan Khalid, Emergency Relief Consultant

The AG600 Kunlong is not just a flying machine — it’s a symbol of innovation, power, and humanitarian potential. With its successful flight tests, the aircraft is now one step closer to becoming a global asset in saving lives and protecting the environment.

Whether battling forest fires or rescuing stranded passengers from stormy seas, the AG600 is built to handle missions where runways don’t exist, but courage does.