The Kunlong AG600 is a massive amphibious aircraft designed to master the open ocean

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As one of the world's largest flying boats, the AVIC AG600 is a specialized amphibious giant. Capable of scooping twelve tons of water in seconds or rescuing fifty people from the sea, this four-engine machine is engineered to operate in rough conditions, including waves reaching two meters in height.

The AVIC AG600 Kunlong, or Kun Dragon, represents a significant investment in Chinese aviation technology. Developed by AVIC and assembled by CAIGA, it stands alongside the Xi'an Y-20 and the Comac C919 as one of the three major aircraft projects approved by the State Council of China. The aircraft features a single-body flying boat fuselage, cantilevered high wings, and four Ivchenko AI-20 turboprop engines, allowing for a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tonnes from land.

Designed for versatility, the AG600 is primarily intended for aerial firefighting and search-and-rescue missions. Its firefighting variant, the AG600M, can collect 12 tonnes of water in just 20 seconds. Beyond emergency response, the aircraft is envisioned for maritime surveillance, resource detection, and passenger or cargo transport. Its ability to operate from water stretches as small as 1,500 by 200 meters makes it uniquely suited for accessing remote locations, including atolls in the South China Sea.

The development timeline for the AG600 was extensive, spanning over a decade from the start of assembly in August 2014 to the receipt of its type certificate in 2025. While it is currently the largest amphibious aircraft in production, it remains lighter than historical giants like the Hughes H-4 Hercules. With deliveries beginning in October 2025, the aircraft has attracted interest from the Chinese government and potential export markets, though AVIC does not anticipate large-scale production runs.

Operating in challenging maritime environments is central to the AG600's design. It is built to conduct Sea State 3 operations, meaning it can handle waves up to 2 meters high. This capability is particularly relevant for its potential deployment in the South China Sea, where it could reach the southernmost edge of Chinese territorial claims, such as James Shoal, in approximately four hours from the city of Sanya.

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