Title: aircraft design - Why do some fighter jets have two pilots while others have only one? - Aviation Stack Exchange
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Why do some fighter jets have two pilots while others have only one?
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Content: Previously, say the 1970s and before, 2 seat fighters were sometimes necessary due to the technology available at that time. The F-4 and F-14 for example, the 2nd seater operated the radar because the pilot really couldn't keep his head in the cockpit when engaging multiple enemy contacts or when the fight was close in. Head up displays weren't available so the aircraft systems available to the pilot by necessity was kept limited in order to limit pilot overload. Share
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answered Jun 1 '15 at 9:32
Victor Juliet
Victor Juliet
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All fighter aircraft have one pilot, though some have two crew members. The backseat crew member is not a pilot, but often either a Radar Intercept Officer (US Navy), Navigator / Weapon Systems Officer (USAF, IDF), or Flight instructor. Though not fighter aircraft, I believe that the SR-71 backseat crewmember operated the reconnaissance equipment as the single crewmember on the U2 was often overloaded with keeping the thing in the coffin corner and operating the reconnaissance equipment. Jan and Habu mention in the comments that the SR-71 backseat crew member was also the navigator and operated the ECM equipment. Additional comments mention that the B-1B consists of four crew members: two pilots, an OSO (offensive systems operator), and a DSO (defensive systems operator). The B2 has two crew members, both pilots, and while one is flying the other can rest, navigate, or operate the weapons system.