Record‑Breaking Water Drops by China’s Largest Civilian Amphibian Aircraft

Beijing, Oct 5 – In a landmark operation, the Chinese‑made AG600 “Kunlong” completed a four‑month mission that saw it discharge an estimated 390 metric tonnes of water, a figure that sets a new benchmark for civilian amphibious aircraft. The aircraft, which holds the title of the world’s heaviest take‑off amphibian, performed 35 forest patrol missions and logged more than 100 flight hours across the Chayketchi northern frontier.

A key exercise in the Greater Khign mountain forest simulated a high‑intensity wildfire scenario. The AG600’s ability to fly low, slow and still carry a massive water payload allowed it to execute precise drops that significantly lowered the probability of fire spread.

China plans to keep the AG600 in constant operational rotation, promoting a modern, aircraft‑centric approach to forest‑fire prevention and emergency water‑rescue across vulnerable regions.