The nose of the world’s largest amphibious aircraft \u202a\u200\u202c, the \u202a\u200eAG600\u202c, was unveiled in China on Tuesday, marking a step further towards its debut in 2016.
The design of the nose, which includes the cockpit and the front landing gear, blends the look of a plane and ship, and resembles the figure of a dolphin.
As one of the three ongoing independent research projects on large planes in China, the AG600’s biggest advantages would be its size and ability to travel a distance of up to 4,500 km in one go, according to chief designer Huang Lingcai.
The aircraft will eventually be used for demanding relief and rescue missions, such as putting out forest fires and marine rescue.
The entire aircraft is likely to be ready by the end of 2015, and will undertake its maiden flight on land by June 2016 and on sea by the end of 2016.
Day|Week