Ruussia , India agree FGFA preliminary design

[surya kiran]

why is that?

Multiple reasons. Also, this also gives a view of the capability of the said aircraft and what it could be used for. The 2nd person is not merely a weapons officer. Its also about tactics. Now, take a scenario which took place in one of the USAF IAF joint exercises. There was a MKI flying with Bisons under cover. In this scenario, the 2nd person also can provide targeting and direction to the Bisons. If there is an AWAC even better.

2nd scenario, why would there be rumours of the MKI having jamming capabilities? The answer is the 2nd chap sitting at the back. He is the chap running the EW equipment.

3rd scenario. In case, tomorrow you have fighters controlling UCAVs, the second guy will be the chap controlling them.

4th Scenario. Maritime strike missions require the pilots to fly the plane a few feet over the surface of the sea. This requires tremendous skill. If the integration of the BrahMos is anything to go by, this will be a role assigned to the fighter. Here the 2nd chap controls the identification, jamming and marking of target, while the pilot keeps the plane at the altitude he wants it to be in.

While, in a perfect world this could be automated, the current scenario tells you its not. Maybe, when and if we get the RAFALE we can get a look into the SPECTRA modules and start integrating them for radar evasion. Till then, its chap at the back who is going to help with the workload.

 

[Guynextdoor2]

why is that?

Pilot in front, weapons officer on back. Splits load.

 

[truthseeker2010]

Because of large number of MKIs in service, IAF has developed its fighter pilot syllabus to cater to two pilots.
They want to build on those two man tactics with PMF.
Also a two seater eliminates the need of a wingman and each plane can fly solo to a mission.
In the air two brains are better than one

A two seater jet also decreases workload on the pilots and its easier to execute long missions which can take upto 12 hours.
For example IAF practises a Su-30 taking off from Assam, going over Arabian Sea, refuelling over Tajikistan and coming back to Assam.

you need to look at map, tajikistan? that means trans passing china or pakistan.....

 

[Abingdonboy]

While, in a perfect world this could be automated, the current scenario tells you its not. Maybe, when and if we get the RAFALE we can get a look into the SPECTRA modules and start integrating them for radar evasion. Till then, its chap at the back who is going to help with the workload.

The IAF was said to be interested in having a few more 2 seat Rafales than they had originally outlined in the RFP per SQD because they are now more inclined to having two seat fighters for strike missions and such. Goes to show that even with SPECTRA and such data fusion the need for a WSO is, as far as the IAF is concerned, still very much necessary.

 

[greatone]

you need to look at map, tajikistan? that means trans passing china or pakistan.....

Arabian Sea - Google Maps
See the map pappu!

 

[truthseeker2010]

Arabian Sea - Google Maps
See the map pappu!

you said tajikistan, i never asked regarding arabian sea.....