China's third supersize amphibious aircraft, the AG600-1003, is moving closer to its maiden flight this year as all four engines met up to design expectations during a Feb 8 testing.

Assembly of the large rescue plane was completed in Jinwan on Dec 26, 2021 and testing for its systems including avionics, power control, and hydraulic operation has been finished. The engine trail run is vital in testing the aircraft's performance, durability, and reliability.

AG600-1003 undergoes preparation tests [Photo by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]

In addition, several AG600 aircrafts are now under R&D, production, and testing in domestic cities such as Xi'an and Jinzhou, preparing for further assembly and flight tests in Zhuhai. According to the schedule, two more AG600 aircraft will be assembled in Zhuhai and undergo test flights together with the 1003 later this year. 

Code-named Kunlong, the AG600 is China's first independently developed amphibious aircraft as well as the world's largest of its kind. It is known as one of the "Three Musketeers" in China-made aircraft along with the Yun-20 and C919.

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.