Aviation
Military /
Russia
Remote Control
Possible two-seat version of the Sukhoi SU-57 fighter jet would command Russian air force drone operations
Sukhoi Su-57
Anna Zvereva, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sukhoi Su-57
Anna Zvereva, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Rafael Ramos
8/10/2021
According to information from an anonymous source published last week in TASS, the Russian media agency, the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet may receive a two-seater version that could be used to control several combat drones. The information, however, cannot be officially confirmed by the agency.
Fighters with a two-seat configuration tend to be heavier and, consequently, less agile. However, they are favorites when it comes to training, as the instructor could fly with them. The Su-57 would be no different. If it had two places, it could be used in training. And for long flights.
But the main reason would be that, in combat, a weapons systems officer who sits in the backseat could operate electronic warfare systems, sensors, weapons and payloads, while the pilot would be focused on flying.
Sukhoi Su-57
Anna Zvereva, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 2018, Sukhoi would have developed a two-seat version of the jet in India, but New Delhi withdrew from the project.
Nowadays, there is no two-seat stealth fighter, as two-seat fighters tend to have a design that does not favor the stealth feature. However, rumors that China is developing a version of the two-seat Chengdu J-20 are circulating in the military. The Su-57 would have to be redesigned so as not to lose its stealth.
The Okhotnik-B stealth drone can be made so that it can be operated in conjunction with the aircraft in combat. The drone, also called the S-70, made its first flight in August 2019, and in the same year it flew together with the Su-57.
Drone Sukhoi S-70
Geektrooper2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This drone combat scheme is becoming standard with respect to next-generation fighter air forces such as the UK's Tempest, the Franco-German FCAS, and the two US NGAD programs.
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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