China's large amphibious aircraft AG600 will have its maiden flight in 2016, the AVIC General Aircraft Company said on Tuesday.

The AG600, intended to be the world's largest amphibian, has a takeoff weight of 53.5 tonnes. It can collect 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds and could be used to fight forest fires and in marine rescue missions.

The final assembly will be completed in 2015, according to the company.

The development and production of the plane received government approval in 2009.

The first flight of China's first light amphibious aircraft, the HO300, to took place in 2010.