China unveils largest amphibious aircraft

China has completed production of a massive amphibious aircraft that it plans to use to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue missions.

The AG600 rolled off a production line in the southern city of Zhuhai on Saturday, in what aviation observers see as a milestone for the country.

The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 metric tons, a maximum cruising speed of 500 kilometers per hour, a maximum flight range of 4,500 km, and a maximum endurance of 12 hours, according to state aircraft maker Aviation Industry Corp of China.