Recently, China’s independently developed AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft received its Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in Beijing. This achievement marks a major milestone, confirming that the world’s largest civil amphibious aircraft by takeoff weight has successfully passed stringent testing and verification, officially earning its certification to enter the market.
The success of the AG600’s certification is the result of the dedication and technical expertise of faculty and students at Harbin Engineering University (HEU). A research team led by Professor HU Kaiye of the Institute of Hydrodynamics, College of Shipbuilding Engineering, employed advanced numerical simulation techniques to study the aircraft’s motion response under various wave conditions. They developed predictive technologies for high sea states and analyzed the influence of different wave parameters on aircraft behavior, offering crucial theoretical insights and technical support for its seaworthiness, operational safety, and performance during takeoff and landing.
With a cruising speed more than ten times faster than traditional rescue vessels, the AG600 is equipped for low-altitude surface searches and can carry out rescue missions in challenging weather conditions, including sea states with waves up to two meters high. It is capable of rescuing up to 50 individuals in a single operation. Its deployment represents a major advancement in China’s capacity for mid- to far-sea rescue operations and maritime safety, playing a key role in strengthening the national emergency aviation rescue system and supporting the country’s maritime development goals.
The AG600’s successful development has enabled China to establish a comprehensive system for the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, flight validation, and service support of large amphibious aircraft. This accomplishment marks a significant breakthrough for China’s civil aviation sector—particularly in the field of large special-mission aircraft—and highlights the nation’s growing capacity to independently develop advanced aerospace technologies.
