The first Chinese-made large amphibious aircraft is scheduled to take off in 2013, and ready for mass production in 2015. (The aircraft in the illustration is NOT the one to be built. This one is already flying.)The amphibious aircraft, about the size of an Airbus 320, will handle emergency services and military tasks that are difficult or impossible with current aircraft in China today.
Chen Zhengguo, the project’s chief engineer said previously, China has developed large hydroplanes and small amphibious aircraft. But large amphibious aircraft will be more useful in putting out forest fires, carrying out long-range air-sea rescues, and taking on anti-submarine missions.
The Chinese-made amphibious aircraft will be able to take off on both land and water.
The Gov Monitor said countries including Russia, Japan, Canada and the United States already have developed their own amphibious aircraft.