The first prototype of the JL600 JiaoLong (TA-600) amphibian, built by the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft's Zhuhai branch, is under construction and is scheduled to fly in late 2015 (further to JL600 JiaoLong to Fly in 2014, February 2013, p17). Powered by four turboprops, the aircraft will be the largest amphibian ever produced, with a wingspan of more than 40m (131ft 3in). It is based on the Harbin SH-5, but will have a higher maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and range of over 5,000km (3,107 miles). It was designed for missions including firefighting and air-sea rescue.
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