Originally Posted by
silverstrata
Another reason for all modern engines being a long way forward, is so that ‘fly-away’ blades do not go straight through the wing. (JT8D blades were much smaller, and the diameter if the engine was smaller too).
You might make a case for the turbine stages being under the wing, but you don’t want the N1 or compressor blades under the wing.
Silver
You typically put the engine where it's best for flying the aircraft and later design the wing fuel tanks out of harms way. Holes in wings are not a big deal
In other words design an efficient aircraft first and assess and minimize, mitigate, or shield against damage later