Hi,
Thanks Tk---members---please don't take the two seater as a trainer---.
If we get it---the two seater is going to be the main stay---a true dedicated attack version.
Currently---the aircraft electronics systems are so advanced that maybe---possibly most of the aircraft must be made two seaters---the electronic warfare packages---the air to air missile systems---outgoing weapons---incoming missiles---there is so much more for a pilot to do.
It is better to have a flyer and a dedicated weapons officer.
Not exactly..not as a thumb rule anyway..
Having two heads is better than one...that is something that is considered a lot..however..having two lives on the line is when one can get the job done equally good is just wastage.
The Requirement of the JF and its possible missions does not entail a long mission time..where pilot fatigue can come into play.. Also..with improved pilot interfaces..sensor fusion..the modern computer can do all that a guy in the back could do..
the new sphere of WVR..the slash and dash.. you probably dont need somebody looking at your back anymore..if they had you its quite likely they are screaming about the missile coming to impact you.
Take the F-15E.. its a great jet..
Long range strike.. all weather..but.. (I suppose there is a member here who can comment best on that)..its needs attention to fly in weather..in such conditions..for a strike mission..its great having a guy in the back doing all the targeting....
dont get me wrong.. I am all for two heads..but they aren't always better than one..
An aircraft such as the Su-30 series..the two seater has lots of jobs..
on route he can be a mini atc.. keeping check on formation..he can target the bandits at BVR...micromanage a dogfight..or enjoy pringles while the pilot sweats..
Yet.. are these really needed for the job req of the Thunder?
The interface of the JF ensures that the pilot has all the info needed to make the best decision he has to whenever he has to.
Simulator's too.. have reached a level where they can simulate a the jet exactly except the acceleration.hence the two seaters arent a priority anymore..
SEAD no longer requires a backseater either..since most modern RWR's can pinpoint the location of an emitter very accurately..and provide targeting cues to an ARM..all the pilot has to do is wait for the launch parameters to be met.
All the next gen platforms..are skipping the twin seaters for their multirole versions..the F-35..the Raptor..
all that is possible via sensor fusion and excellent interface.
Our primary strike needs are being met by the F-16 force for the next 10 years....which come in both flavors.. the JF's have a secondary strike capability.