Beijing: China's largest-ever civil helicopter Thursday got certification from the civil aviation administration, the country's civil aviation authority, People's Daily reported.
The move marks the official approval for the 13-tonne AC313, Asia's largest helicopter, to enter the market, said the Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), which developed and manufactured the helicopter.
The aircraft focuses on designs of maintainability, life reliability, indemnification and life cycle efficiency, and meets international safety standards, underlining China's abilities in the research and development (R&D) of large helicopters.
AC313 is also world's first civil helicopter to receive an A-category airworthiness certificate at an altitude of 4,500 meters, the AVIC said.The aircraft can be deployed for emergency rescue operations, forest fire prevention, transport, offshore operations, medical aid, sightseeing and business trips, the AVIC said.
IANS
First Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012, 19:48