Excellent Post but I don't think the MK2 design have been frozen yet and I think the lenght of MK2 LCA would increase further.
@PARIKRAMA @Abingdonboy
1. Change of Engine will increase the belly, the wings lenght would remain same, as they are already big thus the L/W ratio have to maintained.
2. Increase in length would more space for more avionics, like internal Jammers, IRST.
3. Increase in length or change in airframe design to lower the DRAG.
4.
@Blue Marlin AESA needs more Power, and biggest problem with AESA is not the Power but the heat produced, and need proper heat dissipation Mechanism.
5. Change in length and structural design mean whole set of flight testing needed and FBW algorithm to be validation.
6. Change of Engine means, whole set of parts needs to be designed and tested from Fuel pump, hydraullic distribution mechanism, Electrical wiring, landing gear, hydraulic pump, accutators, Air inlet etc.
7. Taking the experience from the MK1, I think ADA is going for the Modular design this time, and better maintainability and accessibility design.
8. MK2 will have TVC (EJ200 TVC nossle on F414 INS), for better agility.
9. Landing Gear Design like SAAB gripen NG would allow more Hard Point, and could accumudate Brahmos MINI in its centerline Pylon.