The state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has shipped the first prototype of its AG600 amphibian to the delivery and test center, in southern port city of Zhuhai, progressing toward for first flight.

The AG600, serial number 001, will undertake a range of tasks including ground tests, flight trails, training, and its target market is domestic parapublic organizations.

The AG600 made its public debut on the Air Show China static line in November.

The first flight is planned for 2017. This is two years after the originally-planned 2015, but there have been developmental delays with the aircraft.

Besides, AVIC unit Xi'an Aircraft has delivered key parts for the second AG600 amphibian (serial number 002).

Major changes for the second aircraft include some structural modifications, as well as strengthening of the leading edges of the wings, said AVIC in a statement.