A file photo.
BEIJING (PTI): Trial production of the TA600 amphibious aircraft, intended to be the world's largest, has started in China and is expected to undertake its maiden flight next year, a company executive said on Sunday.
The aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tonnes and a maximum range of more than 5,000 km is larger than a Boeing 737 and could be used for fire fighting and air-sea rescue, Fu Junxu, general manager of China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd's Zhuhai branch said.
China began developing the aircraft five years ago, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted a company executive on Sunday.
The trial production started following completion of the design process, he said.
Its maiden flight is expected to happen in late 2015, Fu said.
"After a period of trial flights, the aircraft will be put onto the market," he said.
Upon completion, it will replace Japan's Shin Maywa US-2 aircraft as the largest amphibious aircraft in the world.
The Indian Air Force, in its flight trials evaluation report submitted before the Defence Ministry l..
view articleAn insight into the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition...
view articleSky enthusiasts can now spot the International Space Station (ISS) commanded by Indian-American astr..
view article