The huge, amphibious plane China will use to modernise its military

• China has approved mass production of the AG600 Kunlong, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, paving its way for commercial use.
• Developed as part of China's military modernisation, the AG600 is designed for marine rescues and battling forest fires, with a range of 4,500km and the ability to land in 2m waves.
• The AG600 can carry 50 people for maritime search-and-rescue or scoop 12 metric tonnes of water in 20 seconds for firefighting.
• The state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China sees the approval as a milestone towards a more advanced aviation sector and stronger independent building capabilities.
• Following successful test flights, including a 12-tonne water drop, the AG600 is expected to significantly improve forest fire rescue efficiency, according to emergency management officials.

IN FULL

China approves world’s biggest amphibious plane for mass production