As reported by CCTV News, in light of the heightened risk of wildfires in complex terrains across southern China during the spring season, two units of China’s self-developed large amphibious aircraft, the AG600 (with tail numbers 1102 and 1103), have been dispatched to Guangdong Province for frontline forest firefighting operations. They have successfully accomplished their initial mission objectives.

Upon arrival, the team demonstrated remarkable efficiency by rapidly refilling water on the ground within a mere six minutes. They meticulously planned 36 emergency flight routes, surveyed key water sources for water intake, and orchestrated two cross-theater relocations. Since April 1st, the two AG600 aircraft have been operating in a dual-aircraft formation, executing a total of 34 sorties. Collectively, they have flown for 76 hours and 46 minutes, conducting 52 water drops and releasing a total of 624 tons of water. This operation has effectively validated the aircraft’s echelon firefighting capabilities and system reliability in challenging terrains, thereby providing crucial aerial emergency support for spring forest fire prevention efforts.