Re: The Guy In Back (GIB) Makes A Comeback

On Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:17:45 -0700, dumpster4@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

On Sep 27, 1:50 pm, dumpst...@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
According to:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController...

"New two-seat versions of the F/A-18, F-16, F-15C, F-15E and F-22
with advanced active, electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars
will
be expected to wind their way through enemy air defenses, invade
networks, shoot down opposing aircraft and find very small targets
and
bomb them with precision."

So, they're going to add a second seat to the F-15C and the
F-22? Interesting.


2 more comments:

In the list of aircraft above being mentioned as 2-seaters, the JSF
is conspicuously absent. Is the F-35 design that unsuited to the
addition of a 2nd seat?

The article also includes the following:

"Even two aircrewmen may not be enough as cyber, intelligence
and air combat commands have joined forces to promote new
fighter designs that can conduct at least three missions at the
same time."

Since the EA-6B (which has 4 seats) won't be around forever,
does that mean the USAF might make a renewed push for
an EB-52 or an EB-1?

As someone who had tried combat in both single-seat and two-seat
aircraft, let me note that the second set of eyeballs and brains can
be a big help. But, to be fair, let's also acknowledge that the second
person brings to mind the old joke about a foursome of old guys going
golfing.

When Joe returns home, his wife asks how the round went. He tells here
that Harry, his old friend, had a heart attack and dropped dead on the
fourth hole. "After that is was terrible. Hit the ball and drag Harry,
hit the ball and drag Harry."

A good partner creates incredible synergy. A weak partner is an
incredible handicap.

Now, for detail--the two-seat F-15C is an F-15D. It already exists.

It is unlikely at this point that there will be a two-seat F-22. With
accurate and realistic simulation there is no need for a dual
instruction platform. With the state-of-the-art for data fusion and
presentation as well as weapon system automation there is little need
for a second body.

In the past, a human was the most volume and weight efficient
computing platform. Today, you can get it done with a handheld
computer.
Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com
.

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