China's homegrown AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, will make its maiden flight in the first half of 2017, the Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday.
The aircraft has passed 45 engineering tests since it was unveiled in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province in July 2016, the report said, citing an announcement by its manufacturer, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft. All four of the aircraft's engines performed well in the tests.
The AG600, which can take off and land on either land or water, is about the size of a Boeing 737, according to another Xinhua report. It has a maximum flight range of 4,500 kilometers.
It was designed for tasks such as marine rescues and to fight forest fires, the report said. With modifications, it can also carry out operations like resource exploration and marine rights protection.
The project's chief engineer said aircraft is the "the latest breakthrough in China's aviation industry, and fills a gap in China's capabilities for large amphibious planes," the report said.
So far, the plane has received 17 orders, the report said.
