Awesome
RETIRED MOD
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2006
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Still Rd 93 is a proven engine when compared to the WS 13 which is still in its infancy stages. This gives the JF 17 a better sales pitch. This is what the Russians are using as an advantage. They want to sell more of the MiG 29s as fast as they can as they are moving towards fifth gen aircrafts.
The RD-93 still costs $2.5Mn worth to the $15Mn tag the Chinese put on the JF-17. You know what comes off as a better sales pitch when you're advertising a cheap and effective fighter? Cheaper price.
Cutting off Half a million can go a long way when selling to a 3rd world country in desperate need of a multi-role fighter.
I'm not downplaying the significance of losing a tried and tested engine - But re-export of JF-17 is a good few years away after Pakistan's needs have been met. Plenty of time to try and test the WS-13. The Chinese have been spot on with delivering the tech, as per the requirements presented to them. I won't pin a failure on them till they actually fail.
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