You are correct about interchangeability of jet fighter engines. It is not an easy task by all means. But if the shoe fits, it is not impossible either. The engine compartment of KAAN is wide enough to accommodate the WS15’s diameter. But WS15 is more than 40cm longer than F110. Then again we don’t know how long TF35K will be and how long the engine compartment of KAAN is.
The issue here is the notion that, Chinese are going to release an engine that they developed specifically for their top stealth plane J20 to be used in another western block aircraft where even the number of compression stages of their engine is not known and that the performance of this engine is a closely guarded secret. We don’t know how this engine behaves under load, when turning under high “g” manoeuvres. They won’t release this engine and it’s secrets to the world yet.
JF17s Pakistan has, use Russian Klimov RD93 engines. Pakistan doesn’t want Chinese WS13 engines on JF17s, as they do not perform as well.
Instead of trying to find alternative solutions in other countries’ engines to our engine problem, we need to concentrate in getting our TF35K operational.
Even the notion of purchase of Russian AL41 engines is more credible than Chinese alternative. (Russians do not sell AL41 engines normally but the AL31 are available) Although it has to be remembered that these engines are quite wide and may not fit in to KAAN’s compartment.
As mentioned by
@Rodeo , the site is not known for it’s high credibility. So I wouldn’t read too much in to that news.
KAAN, with F110 engines, will be an underpowered, moderately stealthy f15 jet fighter. But it will come to its own with its indigenous TF35K engine. This engine will contain many modern technologies and design features that is going to enhance the performance of the plane. When we export KAAN, are we going to sell a souped-up version of f15 or a 5th generation plane? More importantly will those prospective countries be willing to settle for a 4.5 generation plane when they know that it should really be a 5th generation plane they should be buying?
www.reuters.com
