For all those concerned, this is a Giant leap of pilotless mankind into A.I. & machine learning controls pilots of 6th generation if not 7th Generation.
J-20 twin-seat fighter jets might be used in sync with drones to increase firepower.
China's military has suggested its advanced J-20 twin-seat fighter jets might be used in conjunction with drones to increase firepower.
J-20 as commander of Drones flying in formation
The twin-seat J-20s can carry out coordinated reconnaissance, coordinated strikes, and coordinated command missions when coupled with drones, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, quoting a Chinese military magazine.
"The purpose of building such a twin-seat J-20 is not to treat it simply as a trainer, its major role then will almost certainly be to coordinate with drones," said Yang Wei, the chief designer of the aircraft, in an article published in Ordnance Industry Science Technology.
"
As a manned aircraft, the J-20 can act as the commander of the drone swarm," claimed the article.
Despite the fact that the fighter can only carry four to six ground-strike munitions, its firepower can be increased by a swarm of drones, each of which can carry four to ten precision-guided munitions.
"
The drones can be used as 'eyes and ears' that expand the scope of the J-20's situational awareness and enhance manned aircraft's ability to spy and locate enemy targets," said the article quoted by SCMP.
A J-20 equipped with a swarm of drones, according to the article, may carry out operations, including early-warning missions and combat reconnaissance.
The report further stated that China will "still need to develop and expand the combat strategies between a manned plane and unmanned drones," said the article.
"The use of drones allows a military force to initiate attacks faster and also to keep fighting despite losses … And they can bring a real advantage in modern combat." Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told SCMP.
Source
https://interestingengineering.com/science/china-to-pilot-drone-swarm-with-fighter-jet
Related topic China shows drones recycled from Soviet era fighter jets