China to test jet co-developed with Pakistan

China is close to testing a new prototype of the FC-1 Xiaolong combat jet jointly developed with Pakistan, a year behind initial schedule, Beijing’s state media said on Sunday.

The fourth prototype of the Xiaolong aircraft, a multi-role fighter-bomber with a range of 1,200 kilometres, will take to the air “in the near future”, Beijing News reported.

The aircraft, also known as the JF-17, is a cooperative project between the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group in the southwest province of Sichuan and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

While earlier prototypes have focused on operational flight capabilities, the fourth prototype is expected especially to test the weapons fit.

The plane is capable of carrying multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, according to the paper. Earlier reports had said that the fourth prototype would have its maiden flight in April 2005. No explanation was provided in Sunday’s report for the apparent delay.

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