Single Pilot Fighters VS Dual Pilot Fighters

[Peshwa]

A question for the Air Force junkies.....

What are the inherent advantages versus the disadvantages of having a single seat Fighter such a Mirage as opposed to a Dual Seat/Pilot aircraft such as the Su-30MKI?

Im curious as to why India is so interested in the latter especially since the FGFA could be procured in the single seat version much sooner, but is being inducted only by the end of the decade because of India's insistence on a Dual Seat/Pilot version.....

Just to throw out some thoughts and doubts.....

Does each type of aircraft fulfil a seperate role in combat?

Two Fighters pilots in a plane can be looked at as a wastage of the "human talent"....what are ur thoughts?

How many countries have dual pilot fighters......?

Is there a preference in the US, Russian, Chinese, British, French airforces?

Sorry for the lack of structure in my post.....Was in a hurry....

 

[TaimiKhan]

For ground attack role, 2-seat versions would be best option as the pilot can fly the aircraft, and the WSO would do the role of performing precision attacks, as pilot would be busy doing the flying.

As nowadays most of the aircraft are multi role, so a dual seat version would be a good option for strike.

Also in ELNIT/SEAD etc etc roles, dual seat would be preferable as each pilot will do his role and achieve objectives in a good fashion.

Also, in air combat, dog fights, the WSO can be used as a lookout for enemoy fighter aircraft, while the pilot is busy engaging the enemy infront of it, just like we see in movies.

But when an aircraft is to be solely or primary mission is air superiority, then single seat aircrafts would be preferred as their primary role is air to air engagement, not the other functions.

Single seat aircraft can also do ground strike role, but dual seat would be much more deadly and accurate.

Hope others can add more points in this.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

I don't know the exact specifics but having a 2 crew in plane sure makes it hell lot more fun to fly the plane then being in it by youself


I mean , also Tom Cruise & Goose , demonstrated in top gun that never underestimate the importance of good wing man both in social setting and while in flight - they would have won the Top Gun award - but I personally think in movie if , stupid goose did not die....single seats are for PROS no nonesense type - to the point pilots they want to take care of business in air first and then enjoy killing the tanks

two crew would be alot more fun

And specially if you feel like taking a nap your collegue can fly the plane while you snooze every one loves to take a nap once in a while

 

[Peshwa]

For ground attack role, 2-seat versions would be best option as the pilot can fly the aircraft, and the WSO would do the role of performing precision attacks, as pilot would be busy doing the flying.

As nowadays most of the aircraft are multi role, so a dual seat version would be a good option for strike.

Also in ELNIT/SEAD etc etc roles, dual seat would be preferable as each pilot will do his role and achieve objectives in a good fashion.

Also, in air combat, dog fights, the WSO can be used as a lookout for enemoy fighter aircraft, while the pilot is busy engaging the enemy infront of it, just like we see in movies.

But when an aircraft is to be solely or primary mission is air superiority, then single seat aircrafts would be preferred as their primary role is air to air engagement, not the other functions.

Single seat aircraft can also do ground strike role, but dual seat would be much more deadly and accurate.

Hope others can add more points in this.

Hi Taimi.....regarding the highlighted portion....

Why is there an advantage to a single seat fighter in air superiority duels?
If Im not mistaken, the IAF uses a MiG 29K for air superiority which is a dual pilot fighter....any thoughts on the reason for the choice, especially when the possible aircraft they might face is a single seat F-16?

 

[TaimiKhan]

Hi Taimi.....regarding the highlighted portion....

Why is there an advantage to a single seat fighter in air superiority duels?
If Im not mistaken, the IAF uses a MiG 29K for air superiority which is a dual pilot fighter....any thoughts on the reason for the choice, especially when the possible aircraft they might face is a single seat F-16?

As far as I know, Mig-29K has been ordered and delivered to IN, not IAF. And the Mig-29K is also a Multi Role platform, air superiority one of the roles among the others. So that is why its dual seat.

IAf uses the single seat air superiority versions of Mig-29s.

 

[Windjammer]

As the saying goes, four eyes are better than two. TK has pointed out the advantages and mission roles of a twin seater, I.E Precision ground strikes and Wild Weasel roles. Although in past it was a common practice to deploy twin seater aircraft, F-14, F111, Tornado to name a few but the current spearheads, likes of F-22, Typhoon, Rafael, Gripen all are single seater with perhaps only the Naval Super Hornets still incorporating twin seats. To some extent the trend perhaps changed into having twin engines instead of the seats.

 

[emotionless_teenage]

an added bonus is that 2 seater fighter can also be used as medium of familiarization to green/fresh pilot

WSO(or GIB;guy in back) can reduce work,and thus stress, on pilot and let the pilot to do their job:flying the aircraft

 

[yosipanji]

of course 2

peace... just dream...