China's first independently innovated civilian helicopter, the AC313, has taken its maiden flight.

China's first independently innovated civilian helicopter, the AC313, has taken its maiden flight.

The AC313 was developed and manufactured by China's Aviation Industry Corporation and can carry 27 passengers, or up to 13.8 tonnes. It has a maximum range of 900 kilometers.

The aircraft features high technology, including using advanced turbo-shafts, a high-power drive system and an integrated avionics system.

It was designed for a variety of uses, including transportation, rescue missions in typhoons, forest fires and other disasters. Thursday's flight lasted for half an hour.

Xu Guolin, Chief Test Pilot, said, "The operation is indeed very stable. The helicopter's maneuverability and stability is good.

And also its advanced avionics system makes our operation easy and convenient. Its performance is great during the whole flight. "