In pics: World's largest amphibious aircraft AG600 makes its maiden flight

The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and can carry 50 people during maritime search-and-rescue missions

China on Sunday conducted the maiden flight of its domestically developed AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, from an airport on the shores of the South China Sea. This is the latest step in China's  military modernisation programme.

Powered by four turboprop engines, the AG600 can carry 50 people during maritime search-and-rescue missions, and can scoop up 12 metric tonnes of water within 20 seconds for fire-fighting trips, according to Xinhua news agency. 

The AG600, codenamed Kunlong, can reach the southernmost edge of China's territorial claims in the area.

The state media said the aircraft was the “protector spirit of