Airborne firefighter

According to the Aviation Industry Corp of China, another two AG600M seaplanes will be manufactured. It is expected that the third one will make its maiden flight in November and the fourth early next year.

On May 31, the first AG600M prototype made its maiden flight from land before its maiden flight from water on Aug 30.

The AG600M aircraft will be able to serve in firefighting missions next year, according to AVIC. The company plans to get the seaplane's airworthiness certificate for firefighting in 2024 and certificate for rescue in 2025. Issued by the aviation authority, an airworthiness certificate is a permit for civilian operation.