Mar.18 (China Military News cited from XINHUA) -- AC313, China's first independently developed civilian medium-lift helicopter successfully finished its maiden flight Thursday in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province.

Editor's Note: AC313 actually is the improved civilian version of PLA Z-8 helicopter

9：40, the engine started booming and the propeller blades whirled. The giant body then slowly rose into the air and began its debut. After 25-minute show, AC313 steadily landed and an official from Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced the success of AC313's maiden flight. The flight lasted 30 minutes.

AC313 was easily wheeled, the journey was safe, I am satisfied with this new helicopter, said Xu Guolin, the pilot of AC313’s maiden flight.

AC313 is a 13.8t helicopter with a carrying capacity of 27 passengers or 15 wounded with stretchers. The maximum range is 900km (ca. 559 miles), said Sun Cong， deputy chief engineer of AVIC. This aircraft was designed for a variety of uses, including search and rescue, fighting forest fires, and even assisting in fighting fires within cities.

Developed and manufactured by AVIC after airworthiness regulation, AC313 helicopter reaches the standard of third-generation helicopters, according to the official of AVIC.

After the maiden flight, AVIC 1 International Leasing Company, China Flying Dragon Special Aviation Company signed contracts with AVIC Helicopter Co. Ltd to purchase five AC313 helicopters.