DEVILFISH From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 4105 posts, RR: 2 Posted (5 years 4 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 8447 times:
In view of the recent unveiling of China's Chengdu J-10, the stage is set for a showdown with Taiwan's updated AIDC F-CK1 C/D Shiang-Seng fighter. Both second tier fighters are widely acknowledged as loosely patterned on then General Dynamics' F-16. However, based on figures available (Wiki), the J-10 seems to be at an advantage, particularly in propulsion, as the F-CK1 is commonly regarded as underpowered.
Might a change from the twin ITEC TFE1042-70 (F125) to a single F404, RM12 or PW7000 engine (assuming it'd fit) even up the odds? Could the twin intake and exhaust configuration be easily adapted to suit the single powerplant without much external modification? It's a stretch that new military engines could be sneaked in without the PROC raising a howl, while the redevelopment and testing could cost a tidy amount. The cheaper and practical option may be to simply acquire the competing KAI A-50 Golden Eagle - but it's fun speculating about things I know little about.
Trex8 From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 3723 posts, RR: 15 Reply 1, posted (5 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 8304 times:
it would be way too much work to change a twin to a single engine.Upgraded variants of the ITEC F125 with 12K thrust were well along in development before IDF production was capped at 130 and a 16K thrust version was also contemplated at that time. GE even planned a 12.5K version of the J101/SF and shipped a mock to AIDC for trial installation about 1995 or so IIRC.
it is rumored that the F125 has had thrust bumped up to 10K+ already.
DEVILFISH From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 4105 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (5 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 8253 times:
Quoting Trex8 (Reply 1): it would be way too much work to change a twin to a single engine.Upgraded variants of the ITEC F125 with 12K thrust were well along in development before IDF production was capped at 130
I wouldn't have suggested the switch if the 12000 lb thrust TFE 1088-12 (designated TFE-1042-70A to hide its true identity) had a realistic chance of going into production (most ideal) as it was said that the IDF could supercruise with that engine. Resuming its development (maybe ongoing under wraps?) and adopting it for the previously planned Advanced Defense Fighter along with the various recent systems upgrades could result in a very formidable multi-role fighter also capable of Wild Weasel function.
Quoting Trex8 (Reply 1): it is rumored that the F125 has had thrust bumped up to 10K+ already.
AIDC was supposed to have proposed a 10% thrust increase to 8000 lbs. Could that 10000 lb thrust engine be the TFE-1088-11?
DEVILFISH From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 4105 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (4 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 7500 times:
Update:
The June 2007 issue of Air Forces Monthly has a report which shows the -D tandem, twin-seat version now called the Hsing Yun (goshawk). Originally intended to be a trainer, this latter variant could actually be fielded as an attack platform given the conformal fuel tanks added on the aft upper-part of the fuselage, while the wing stations were now dedicated to carriage of four weapons instead of two. These could also mean that the planned thrust upgrade had already been accomplished.
Detailed comparisons with the KAI T/A-50, J-10 and J-17, Aermacchi M-346, BAe Hawk 132, HAL Tejas and Yak-130 would be very interesting. Especially when photos like these turn up.....
Sponsor Message: 
From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 4105 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 3723 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
