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Zaphod58
reply to post by Sammamishman
The Chinese and Russians both have huge engine development problems. I talked to a Russian pilot several years ago who told me that when they would take off in a Condor, they'd have to sit on the runway for two minutes at full power. If none of the engines failed, they'd release the brakes and take off.
Zaphod58
reply to post by Patriotsrevenge
There are plenty of close up pictures of engine nozzles on the F-22 and F-35. It's not the nozzle that's the top secret portion of it, it's the internal workings.
One could argue farther. Just look how long it took them to get a working Atlas rocket. The American Army designed Redstone rocket was the first to successfully launch into space.
_Del_
This is really a case of "why reinvent the wheel". If the design has been well-optimized for a specific mission, why not "borrow" or adapt it? They certainly don't feel ashamed about it, and I'm not sure they should.
pheonix358
reply to post by Zaphod58
I acknowledge your point of view. I suggest what if it is a game to them! What if that Russian Pilot was supposed to say that. China could have a very good engine fitted to an equally good fighter and they just don't want the West to be aware of that fact.
Of course they would not give their best to India! It could be all part of the snow job.
On the other hand, they may well suck at engine design as you say!
But then that would mean that they cannot follow a set of stolen blueprints and that just does not wash.
P
pheonix358
But then that would mean that they cannot follow a set of stolen blueprints and that just does not wash.