The fourth prototype of JF-17 or Xiaolong aircraft, a multi-role fighter-bomber with a range of 1,200 kilometres, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is likely to have its maiden flight next month, officials said. Hectic preparations are going on take the aircraft to the air. The aircraft is a cooperative project between the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group in the southwest province of Sichuan and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, officials said. While earlier prototypes 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. The joint project manufacturing the aircraft is on schedule and the fourth prototype would be tested very soon, officials said. It will be used to test the aircraft avionics and weapons integration. Small batch production of the single-seat, single-engine JF-17, will begin in China in June and the aircraft would be delivered to Pakistan in early 2007. Serial production of the aircraft would start at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, Pakistan, by June 2007, with aim of supplying both the Pakistan Air Force and export markets.
