Owing to the strong coupling among the hydrodynamic forces, aerodynamic forces and motion of amphibious aircraft during the water takeoff process, the water takeoff performance is difficult to calculate accurately and quickly. Based on an analysis of the dynamics and kinematics characteristics of amphibious aircraft and the hydrodynamic theory of high-speed planing hulls, a suitable mathematical model is established for calculating the hydrodynamics of aircraft during water takeoff. A pilot model is designed to illustrate how pilots are affected by the lack of visual reference and the necessity to simultaneously control the pitch angle, flight velocity and other parameters during water takeoff. Combined with the aerodynamic model, engine thrust model and aircraft motion model, a digital virtual flight simulation model is developed for amphibious air-craft during water takeoff, and a calculation method for the water takeoff performance of amphibi-ous aircraft is proposed based on digital virtual flight. Typical performance indicators, such as the liftoff time and liftoff distance, can be obtained via digital virtual flight calculations. A comparison of the measured flight test data and the calculation results shows that the calculation error is less than 10％, which verifies the correctness and accuracy of the proposed method. This method can be used for the preliminary evaluation of airworthiness compliance of amphibious aircraft design schemes, and the relevant calculation results can also provide a theoretical reference for the formu-lation of flight test plans for airworthiness certification.