China has started the production of the AG600, which is dubbed as the largest amphibious aircraft in the world, in Zhuhai, China, according to local media.

China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. (CAIGA), which is behind the AG600, is working on a smaller aircraft called the H660. Both plane models were unveiled at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Zhuhai Airshow) in 2014.

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Huang Lingcai, the chief designer of the AG600, also known as 'Jiaoling' (Water Dragon), claims that the aircraft features a 4,500km range, making it possible to fly on a round trip between Hainan Island's Sanya and James Shoal without refueling. Aside from landing and taking off from regular runways, the AG600 can also move on stretches of water that are at least 1,500 meters long, 200 meters wide, and 2.5 meters deep.

"The AG600 is like a ship that can fly, with advanced gas-water dynamic engineering and underwater corrosion resistance technology," he said, adding that the plane, which is powered by four WJ6 turboprop engines, will have a cruising speed of 500km/hour and endurance of 12 hours.

In terms of fire-fighting, the AG600 can scoop as much as 12 tons of water in just 20 seconds and is capable of carrying up to 50 people during search and rescue operations.

Beijing plans to utilize the plane, which stands at 37 meters in length and has a 39-meter wingspan, to carry out marine missions and combat forest fires.

AVIC plans to target local clients. Over the next 15 years, it is expected that some 60 units of AG600 will be manufactured.

Geng Rugang, AVIC deputy general manager, described the aircraft as "the latest breakthrough in China's aviation industry." The plan for its production and development was approved by the government in 2009.

According to the Daily Mail, this is China's latest effort to make the country independent from foreign aviation companies.

TagsAG600, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company, Jiaoling, Water Dragon, amphibian plane