Why can't Private Sector Make CFT?

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

CFT (conformal fuel Tanks), free up Missile loading points on plane and also extend the Deep strike capabilities for Fighter Jets

Why is it that Pakistan cannot , use Private Sector to design a CFT for various planes in it's fleet

i.e

Mirage

F7PG lot of room on sides

JF17 Thunder Series

Fairly none Technical Part, does not involves great amount of Technology just needs knowledge easily avialble in Private Defence sector

Quite easy to see why such projects should be stright forward additions any good engineering private sector firm can make these

Easy to see how Central column hugging CFT can help with all 3 platforms we have

Seems fairly simple , composite CFT for Jets plug and play

 

[gangsta_rap]

It's a pretty big undertaking I'd say. Even with the western private defense firms, there is a huuge influx of R&D support and money from host governments allowing such projects to kick off. Given the state of our leadership, you can imagine that its not exactly feasible in our case.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Just a tank , attached to body , which deflects the high winds with smooth curved surface not rocket science

 

[war&peace]

It needs deep understanding of fluid dynamics. It would require huge amount of R&D and I don't think as of now private sector is ready for it but we need to let private sector participate in heavy defence production and liberalise the strict control and monopoly of the state owned institutions.

CFT design requires deep knowledge of fluid solid interaction (FSI) for modelling the fuel sloshing and placement of the slots that reduce the fuel sloshing while allowing the fuel to flow freely. Furthermore, they need to understand the external aerodynamics in great depth so that the CFT doesn't increase the drag penalty during all flow regimes and phases of flight. Also RCS need to stay reasonably small.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Model/wind tunnel gives you ample clues and rest is calculated by scientist

 

[gangsta_rap]

Model/wind tunnel gives you ample clues and rest is calculated by scientist

Its not rocket science but its the next most difficult thing to it (Aerodynamics). A lot more to consider than just the CFD aspect of it such as weight allowance/material criteria, how it might interfere with the existing frame and such.

Aeronautical Engineering is very narrow you have individuals who end up spending a lifetime working on very VERY specific aspects-there are literally people out there who spent an entire career simply working on turbine fans and nothing else when it comes to an engine. That gives you a glimpse of what kind of people will be needed to carry something like this out.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well I think it is not that difficult tech to master as long as you have a wind tunnel , scientist and ample 3D prototype models available.

Since there are no electronic parts involved apart from 1 mechanical part to eject the CFT from plane before dogfight really should be piece of cake to implement this on our existing plane fleet

The extended curved parts only add minor performance drag minimal from big picture prespective

This research is so simple that even a group of Local Pakistani Engineering Universities can do easily for PHD research work in Engineering departments.

People do this kind of stuff in backyard

 

[gangsta_rap]

I do have hope that as the KAMRA aviation city starts to run in full gear we'll start seeing stuff like this. In recent years we've seen a stronger presence of the private sector on the defense industry (land-based/army). its only a matter of time that it'll branch over and have an impact on the aviation side too

 

[Raider 21]

Just a tank , attached to body , which deflects the high winds with smooth curved surface not rocket science

Of course....very simple. No need to know the effect of stability and control on the aircraft, not to mention the varying maneuvering loads on the new configuration on the airframe. Just add some muscle fuel tanks on the body.

 

[Basel]

CFT (conformal fuel Tanks), free up Missile loading points on plane and also extend the Deep strike capabilities for Fighter Jets

Why is it that Pakistan cannot , use Private Sector to design a CFT for various planes in it's fleet

i.e

Mirage

F7PG lot of room on sides

JF17 Thunder Series

Fairly none Technical Part, does not involves great amount of Technology just needs knowledge easily avialble in Private Defence sector

Quite easy to see why such projects should be stright forward additions any good engineering private sector firm can make these

Easy to see how Central column hugging CFT can help with all 3 platforms we have

Seems fairly simple , composite CFT for Jets plug and play

PAF have used CFTs on F-6.

 

[The Diplomat]

PAF have used CFTs on F-6.

Can you educate me a little. These CFTs, are they drop tanks your talking about or the things you see ontop of a F-16 Block 52 wing (on the right and left side)?

 

[Basel]

Can you educate me a little. These CFTs, are they drop tanks your talking about or the things you see ontop of a F-16 Block 52 wing (on the right and left side)?

Pic of that CFT was shared here on PDF, it was attached to belly of the plane.

 

[Raider 21]

Can you educate me a little. These CFTs, are they drop tanks your talking about or the things you see ontop of a F-16 Block 52 wing (on the right and left side)?

That is correct. They got the Block 50+, Block 52+ and the Block 60 on steroids compared to the baseline aircraft.

 

[untitled]

Can you educate me a little. These CFTs, are they drop tanks your talking about or the things you see ontop of a F-16 Block 52 wing (on the right and left side)?

 

[The Diplomat]

Now I know, thanks for the picture! Made it very clear!