United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has patented a version of a two-seat tactical aircraft based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.
According to Izvestiya’s sources, the new two-seat aircraft will be produced in three variants: combat trainer, attack – with an operator responsible for the use of weapons – and – for the first time in the world – as the leader of a heavy drone group.
The patent description of the future two-seat version of the Su-57, depicts a new aircraft «designed to detect and engage air, surface and ground targets with guided and unguided weapons. It can also serve as a command and control center for «networked actions of mixed groups of aircraft.»»
The tandem cockpit is equipped with commands to transfer control priority from one pilot to the other. It will have at least two multifunctional panoramic displays for aircraft and weapons control.
Izvestiya also notes that the future aircraft will receive additional fuel tanks, which will increase its range and flight duration by 10% compared to the single-seat version.
If developed, it will be the first time that a fifth-generation aircraft will have a two-seat version, as the other stealth fighter designs such as the F-22, F-35, J-20 and J-35 are all single-seat, relying exclusively on their advanced flight simulators to complete the pilots’ transition to the new aircraft.
Network-centric warfare and unmanned partners
The world’s major air forces are pursuing development programs for unmanned combat aircraft to assist, protect and complement manned fighters, and Russia is no exception. UAC is developing the S-70 «Okhotnik» (Hunter) drone as a companion to the Su-57.
The S-70 is a Sukhoi-designed, long-range, low-detectability, autonomous air combat system that will be able to perform solo missions, but also accompany and work in concert with Russian next-generation fighter aircraft, such as the Su-57; analogous to future Western Loyal Wingman or Skyborg systems.
«The S-70 is a promising aviation platform with great potential for the development of a future family of unmanned systems on its basis. Work under the Okhotnik program is one of the key areas for Sukhoi and UAC. The development of unmanned combat systems fully meets the challenges of the moment and customer needs. Today we are doing everything possible to complete testing as soon as possible and start serial production,» commented Yuri Slyusar, CEO of United Aircraft Building Corporation, a while ago.
See also: Russian S-70 ‘Okhotnik’ Drone’s Second Prototype Successfully Takes Flight
While Western developers are betting on the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to control the operation of combat drones from single-seat fighters, Russia seems to have opted for a more traditional solution for the Su-57, with a second crew member acting as a «command and control node», reducing the workload of the pilot, who will be dedicated to controlling his own aircraft.
The decision to implement a two-seat fighter to control the actions of unmanned combat aircraft might indicate a slower development of AI software in Russia. But it could also prove to be the right approach to meet the challenge of coordinating such tactical manned-unmanned team operations. Time will tell.
