China developing world's largest amphibious plane

Want China Times, Luis Weng and Staff Reporter 2014-01-19

An illustration of the new Jiaolong-600. (Photo/China Aviation
Industry General Aircraft Co)

China recently unveiled the model of the head of the Jiaolong-600, the country's new large amphibious aircraft, which is expected to become the world's largest, reports the state-run China News Service (CNS).

The new plane, currently under development, is a single-hull comprehensive rescue airplane with a four-turbine propeller, and is similar in size to the Airbus A320, CNS said.

The plane's maximum take-off weight is 48 metric tonnes, which surpasses the 47.7 metric tonnes of Japan's US-2, currently the world's largest amphibious plane in service.

The Jiaolong-600 is designed to have a cruise speed of 555 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 5,300 kilometers, and can draw 20 metric tonnes of water in just 12 seconds, CNS said, adding that the plane can carry up to 50 people during rescue missions.

China began developing the Jiaolong-600 in 2009 as the last generation of amphibious aircrafts in the Harbin SH-5 range — which entered into service during the 1980s — no longer meets the demand for rescue missions.

Besides Japan's US-2, the global market for such planes is dominated by Russia's Beriev Be-200 and Be-103, Canada's Bombardier 415 and the French-built Akoya.

Demand in China for the Jiaolong-600 is estimated to be 60 units, while a different model for the overseas market is also expected to be announced, according to CNS.