Asia's largest Helicopter launch by China

 Asia's largest Helicopter launch by China

Asia's largest helicopter, built by China and weighing about 13 tonnes, on Thursday received the stamp of approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of the country.

The move means that the massive helicopter -- AC313 -- is officially approved to enter the market, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

After four years of research, the AC313 is also the world's first civilian 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.