The country's third large amphibious aircraft AG600-1003 was completely assembled in Jinwan by Dec 26 and is undergoing safety tests in preparation for a maiden flight next year.

AG600-1003 undergoes safety testing at Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park in Jinwan [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

Over 186 days, the fuselage, wings, and propellers were installed; firefighting and water rescue equipment placed; and key experiments for cabin pressure and the avionics system were completed. Development of the AG600 series has upended a long-term foreign technology monopoly, earned 100 patents, and formulated more than 2,000 standards and regulations.

Code-named Kunlong, the AG600 is China's first independently developed amphibious aircraft as well as the world's largest of its kind. Built by the Zhuhai-headquartered Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the 1003 is an upgraded version of the 1001. It is designed for emergency rescues, fighting forest fires, and patrolling the sea.

The AG600 was flown in display at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) where nine tons of water were dumped from the bottom hatch.