Beijing — In a major step forward for China’s large amphibious aircraft program, the AG600 “Kunlong” project has marked key milestones this autumn: the third production aircraft (serial 1103) has completed final assembly and successfully finished production flight tests, while major nose components for the fourth aircraft (1105) have been delivered to Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) Tongfei South China facility. These achievements signify the program’s transition from certification to small‑batch production, alongside the release of the nation’s first standardized water‑collection site guidelines for AG600 operations—a crucial advance for domestic emergency rescue equipment standards.
Sustained Momentum in Production and Testing
Since June 30, 2024, when the first production aircraft (1101) nose section was delivered, Tongfei South China has completed assembly and test flights of the first two production aircraft (1101 and 1102). By early July 2025, aircraft 1103 entered the 41‑system integration station, where the integrated manufacturing team overcame tight assembly schedules and parallel operations to complete system installation within two months.
Throughout final assembly, the team adhered strictly to production standards, optimized assembly workflows, and rigorously controlled quality. Key challenges—including sealing, excess material management, and product protection—were addressed with targeted measures. Close collaboration with AVIC’s flight test center ensured seamless integration from assembly to test flight, with high‑efficiency coordination across assembly, process, quality, and scheduling functions, demonstrating a strong, continuous production rhythm.
Establishing Water‑Collection Standards
On September 15, the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the China Aviation & Aerospace Tools Association jointly released the group standard “AG600 Series Aircraft Water‑Collection Site Requirements” (T/CSAA 42—2025/T/CATA 0156‑2025), effective November 1, 2025. Led by Tongfei South China, this is China’s first technical standard dedicated to water‑collection sites for large amphibious aircraft. The standard defines site selection, layout, operation, and maintenance requirements for AG600 water‑pickup operations during forest firefighting missions, filling a gap in both domestic and international regulations. Early applications have already been implemented in Jilin and Zhejiang provinces.
The standard specifies critical operational parameters, including wind speed, wave height, and visibility limits, while defining supporting infrastructure such as wind indicators, water-level markers, and meteorological and hydrological monitoring points. It provides actionable guidance for users to safely and efficiently establish water‑collection sites, further supporting the operational readiness of AG600 units.
Advancing National Emergency Aviation Capabilities
The successful progress in production validates the AG600’s design maturity, controllable production quality, and effective project management. Combined with the new water‑collection site standards, the program is poised to accelerate deployment in national emergency rescue operations, enhancing forest firefighting capabilities and maritime rescue efficiency, and contributing to a standardized, systematized aviation emergency response framework.
From final assembly to production flight tests and standard development, the AG600 project team has consistently applied a “do it right the first time, zero defects” philosophy, integrating meticulous craftsmanship into every stage. Upholding principles of loyalty, self-reliance, hard work, and ambition, the team embodies the “Kunlong Spirit.”
“Watching the ‘Kunlong’ take flight repeatedly makes all the effort worthwhile,” project team members said in unison. With renewed energy and determination, this capable, battle‑tested team continues to drive the AG600 program forward, promising more impressive achievements for China’s skies and seas.
