China News Service, Jingmen, August 26 (Mei Chunyan) By the Zhanghe River in Jingmen, Hubei, the "Lead Goose" AG50 light sports aircraft independently developed by the aviation industry made its first flight on the 26th. It is like a leading wild goose, ascending into the wind, landing safely after 12 minutes of smooth flight, presenting the perfect air debut for the audience.
"Lead Goose" AG50 light sports aircraft successfully flew for the first time in Jingmen, Hubei. Photo by Xiong Dongdong
Chief test pilot Huang Jie reported after the aircraft landed: "The aircraft completed its first flight as planned, and all systems are working normally and in good condition!" So far, the domestically-made AG series general aircraft family has added new members.
The AG50 aircraft is independently developed by the Special Aviation Institute of Aviation Industry Tongfei. It adopts a parallel two-seater, upper monoplane, and conventional tail layout. It has a streamlined fuselage and a fixed three-point landing gear. The maximum take-off weight is 650 kg and the payload is 245 kg. The maximum range is 650 kilometers and the maximum flight speed is 222 kilometers per hour.
"Lead Goose" AG50 light sports aircraft successfully flew for the first time in Jingmen, Hubei. Photo by Xiong Dongdong
The AG50 aircraft adopts a low-cost composite body, a self-developed integrated avionics system, a full-machine push-pull cable control system, and a ROTAX912 engine using ordinary automobile oil. The manufacturing and operating costs are low, and it is economical. On the same day, Beijing Silk Road General Aviation Co., Ltd., Tianjin Jinjin General Aviation Co., Ltd., Hubei Tongcheng General Aviation Co., Ltd., and China Industry Warwick Aviation Technology Development Co., Ltd. signed a purchase contract with the Aviation Industry Special Aviation Institute.
2020 is a critical year for the development of the AG50 project and also a critical year for achieving the overall goals of the project. Facing the dual challenges of epidemic prevention and control and scientific research and production tasks, Aviation Industry General Aviation and Special Aviation Aerospace Corporation insisted on focusing on epidemic prevention and control on the one hand, and resuming work and production on the other, so as to promote scientific research and production in an efficient and orderly manner. Next, the aviation industry will continue to insist on independent innovation, accelerate aircraft development, and contribute to the development of China's general aviation industry. (Finish)