Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC) Harbin Aircraft Industry celebrated the first flight of its Z-19E attack helicopter, news outlets reported. During the flight, the aircraft performed hover, close ground and low pass maneuvers.

The narrow-body, tandem-seat aircraft flew over Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, China's northernmost province, May 18. This brings the company one step closer to bringing it to the international market, as reports have said it is specifically designed to meet foreign military requirements. It has a reported maximum takeoff weight off about 9,370 pounds.