China's Largest Amphibious Aircraft 'Kunlong' Nears Operational Deployment

Development for Civil Use Including Maritime Search and Rescue, Wildfire Suppression... Capable of Carrying Up to 12t of Water
Possibility of Military Use for South China Sea Surveillance Cannot Be Ruled Out

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media reported that the engine test of the amphibious aircraft 'Kunlong (AG600-1003)', developed domestically in China, has been successfully completed.

Photo by Observer Network Capture

On the 11th, according to Chinese media such as Guancha Wang and Pengpai, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) successfully completed tests on the engines of Kunlong units 1, 2, 3, and 4 the previous day.

Kunlong is about 37 meters long with a wingspan of 38.8 meters, similar in size to a Boeing 737. It has a range of 4,500 km. It is known to be capable of taking off and landing on water with waves up to 2 meters high. This amphibious aircraft, equipped with four turboprop engines, is reported to be able to carry 12 tons of water.

Chinese media reported that Kunlong is the largest aircraft in the world among amphibious aircraft under development and will be used for maritime search and rescue, as well as firefighting.

Kunlong unit 1 (1001) has completed its first test flights on land, water, and at sea, and production of unit 5 (1005) is currently underway. It was added that three out of four aircraft are planned to complete flight tests by the end of this year. Although the exact deployment schedule of this aircraft has not been disclosed, it is expected to be deployed in the field by next year at the latest.

China has stated that the main purpose of the aircraft is maritime search and rescue and firefighting, but the possibility of military use cannot be ruled out depending on circumstances. In fact, there are concerns among countries near the South China Sea that some amphibious aircraft could be used for military logistics transport and maritime surveillance in the South China Sea. Considering its range and endurance, it is fully capable of being used as a surveillance aircraft for the South China Sea.

Guancha Wang explained that Kunlong’s role includes wildfire suppression and water rescue, and that it can be converted into an aircraft capable of special operations according to the requirements of the aircraft’s customers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.