BEIJING, April 9: China is close to testing a new prototype of the FC-1 Xiaolong combat jet jointly developed with Pakistan, about a year behind the initial schedule, the Beijing News reported on Sunday. The fourth prototype of the Xiaolong, a multi-role fighter-bomber with a range of 1,200km, will take to the air “in the near future,” it reported.

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

While earlier prototypes have focused on operational flight capabilities, the fourth one 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 the prototype would have its maiden flight in April 2005.—AFP