Domestic chopper for export takes maiden flight

An armed Z-19E helicopter makes its maiden flight in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Thursday. The domestically built aircraft is made by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and will be exported. Liu Yang / For China Daily

The Z-19E, China's first domestic attack helicopter built for export, made its maiden flight in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, on Thursday.

First debuted in 2015, the full name of the chopper is Z-19E Yuan Dedicated Attack Helicopter. It is based on the Z-19 light duty reconnaissance/attack helicopter, which has been serving in the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the aviation wing of the PLA Ground Force since 2011.