In 1986, the Chinese Navy began operating the Harbin SH-5, a large amphibious aircraft primarily used for maritime patrol and maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations. The design evolved from work in the 1970s, but only seven examples went into production between 1984-85. The local Chinese group AVIC ("Aviation Industry Corporation of China") is now planning a successor based on the SH-5, the "TA-600". This development would retain the former's amphibious capabilities and perform much the same role as its Cold War-era predecessor.
In addition to these military-focused roles, it is envisioned that the TA-600 will be able to fight fires in the vast, inaccessible Chinese wilderness - making range and water transport key design qualities. The TA-600 is expected to begin final assembly in 2015 and be delivered in 2016 - a delay from the original delivery window of 2014.
The TA-600 originated from a program in 2009, when the aircraft retained many of the features from the original SH-5. Its silhouette has been slowly modified over the years with improved floating struts, a more integrated, better-contoured cockpit roofline, and a "T-shaped" rear wing (as opposed to the SH-5's split vertical tail).
In general, the aircraft continued to use the basic principles of airships - tall shoulder-mounted wings with two engines mounted on each wing, and a boat-like fuselage for water landings. The standard operator consists of two pilots, a loading supervisor, and any required mission experts (depending on the mission). The cargo compartment will also support seating for up to 50 passengers.
The resulting plane proved to be around 107,000 pounds heavier than originally planned, up from the original 98,000 pounds. The added weight changed the expected range, reducing it from 3,200 to 3,100 miles. Current measurements include a span of 131.2 feet.
Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is specified at 117,950 lbs.
The design plan calls for an all-new Chinese-made turboprop to power the aircraft via a constant-speed propeller, with a power output of at least 5,000 hp per engine unit. The current option remains the aging WJ-6, which is nothing more than a Chinese copy of the Soviet Ivchenko AI-20 series.
As China continues to expand in the Pacific, aircraft like the TA-600 will play an increasingly important role in maintaining regional dominance over its neighbors and the general instability of one of the world's most important commercial shipping lanes effect.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-ship
- Naval/Navigation
- Commercial Market
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
121.06 ft (36.9 m)
127.30 ft (38.8 m)
12.1m
32,000 kg
117,947 lbs (53,500 kg)
311 mph (500 km/h; 270 knots)
32,808 ft (10,000 m; 6.21 mi)
2,796 miles (4,500 km; 2,430 nautical miles)
640 m/min (2,100 ft/min)
Not currently. The military anti-submarine warfare (ASW) model will include depth charges, mines, torpedoes, and devices to deliver conventional munitions.
AG-600 - Basic Series Name
TA-600 - Alternative Name