An improved Chinese developed new-generation fighter plane, the Xiaolong/FC-4 fighter, successfully completed its first flight on Friday in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The 16-minute test flight of the fighter, which is the first in its series to be equipped with advanced aviation electronics and weapon systems proved a great success, according to experts.

The success of the flight marks a significant step forward in the innovation capabilities of China's aviation industry and makes mass production of the plane possible, said experts.

The Xiaolong series is a multipurpose light fighter plane developed by the China Aviation Industry Corporation I, the Chengdu Aircraft Group Corp. and China Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation.

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2006)