Chinese magazine explains China's need for fifth-generation J-20 two-seat fighters

The Chinese magazine OIST, which specializes in covering events in the world of science and technology, has published material on the fifth generation fighters of the Chinese design. Recall that the PLA Air Force is already supplied with J-20 fighters, and the development of the fifth-generation carrier-based fighter J-31 continues.

Chinese journalists admit that the further development of new generation fighters requires the latest aircraft engines, which China has not yet developed.

OIST is considering combining J-20 single and two-seat fighters in the Air Force.

From an article by Chinese authors explaining why the PRC Air Force needs a fifth-generation two-seater fighter:

The appearance of the two-seat version of the J-20 is due to the fact that the tasks of the fighter are becoming more diverse. China needs a more powerful fighter. The two-seat version of this combat aircraft will be equipped with new equipment, which, in particular, will allow you to interact with swarms of combat aircraft. drones and counteract enemy electronic equipment.

The journal notes that one crew member will not be able to cope with the expanding range of tasks.

Chinese experts point out that the pilot, who is in the front of the cockpit, will focus on controlling the aircraft, while the pilot in the back is responsible for managing weapons, including electronic warfare, and data exchange systems with the UAV.

From the material:

The technology behind the J-20 makes it a nightmare for enemy electronic equipment.

As noted, a swarm of drones can become "bait to attract enemy aircraft, including stealth fighters." Wherein Drones, exchanging data with the J-20, can carry out reconnaissance and strike, including against air defense systems.

From the article:

A swarm of drones will be able to help the J-20 fighter to gain air superiority.

The same magazine reports on the number of J-20s produced by the Chinese industry. If you believe these data, then in China at the moment there are 90 such combat aircraft. But, according to Chinese experts, the PLA Air Force needs at least 400 fifth-generation fighters, including two-seat combat aircraft.

Comments

[lwxx]

The Chinese are heading in the right direction. I wanted to write - Chinese comrades, but somehow my hand trembled.

[Nasrat]

Generally not an expert in this, and I judge as an amateur - from the picture in the article - but where will the co-pilot be put? The entire front structure of the aircraft will have to be redone and will it then be the fifth generation? There, the landing gear and bomb bays, the working mechanisms of the small wing will support ... the concept of non-visibility will also have to be observed ... It will be necessary to dodge and at the exit there will be a completely different plane ... the mass will increase, the thrust of the engines will need to be increased ... which is already lacking. the pepelats is still, for that they built 90 pieces ...

[NIKN]

The problem is solvable. Volumes are freed due to fuel tanks and an increase in the length of the bow with an insert (30-40 cm is enough) and rearrangement of equipment, which, with proper design, will not affect visibility. with a combat load of several tons. In general, it can be solved, but the plane must naturally be redesigned, especially when it is conceived for new tasks, including additional equipment will have to be placed. Of course it will be a new plane, but based on a single one.

[knn54]

Convenient for training pilots. As a "final" stage after flying on training aircraft, obviously not of the 5th generation.

[rocket757]

... The two-seat version of this combat aircraft will be equipped with new equipment, which, in particular, will allow it to interact with swarms of combat drones and counter enemy electronic equipment.

... Those. rely on automation, AI, but an operator / human control is necessary?

[Konstantin Gogolev]

The fifth generation with a controlled swarm of jet drones is not the fifth generation. But in the swarms, the Chinese are probably ahead of everyone - they have already carried out tests. And the last sanctions were against the manufacturers of Chinese supercomputers (AI). This is how the "younger brother" grows up.

[aszzz888]

Chinese experts point out that the pilot, who is in the front of the cockpit, will focus on controlling the aircraft, while the pilot in the back is responsible for managing weapons, including electronic warfare, and data exchange systems with the UAV.

Apparently there is something in this. Specialists know better.

[Olddetractor]

Pilots are the weakest link in this multi-seat fighter. Artificial intelligence and ground operators are the right vector for the development of this device

[RUSLAN]

I can't imagine how a swarm of drones can be controlled from a fighter plane ???? What kind of drones should be in order to keep up with the fighter?

[alexmach]

What drones should be in order to keep up with the fighter ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Reactive supersonic, or from the same board and launched.

[Sidor Amenpodestovich]

responsible for the management of weapons, including electronic warfare, data exchange systems with UAVs.

For the Su-57, ours declared that one person could cope with all this.
Have the Chinese realized that this is impossible, at least for them?
Are our people wishful thinking or frankly fantasizing?
Or have you come up with something like that?

[bayard]

Quote: Sidor Amenpodestovich

For the Su-57, ours declared that one person could cope with all this.

They no longer think so and are working on the possibility of creating a two-seater version of this aircraft. All the nonsense about the possibilities of single and AI - the fantasy of journalists. It was necessary to immediately design with the possibility of mounting both single and double cabins - as it was implemented in the design of the MiG-35, but Pogosyan was not looking for simple solutions. Because of this, the Indians left the project - they asked only for a two-seat fighter.
Now, though through another place, it has come to light that without a two-seater version of the attack aircraft based on the Su-57 it will not work. To blame all the tasks on one pilot is nonsense, there is a threshold of possibilities. And it is not easy to place all the equipment in a single cab. On this (the threshold of the capabilities of one pilot), even during the development of the Ka-50, they burned themselves. The helicopter was made, but it is difficult for one pilot to pilot and use weapons, and observe the situation ... it is difficult.
Two is much better.

[Oleg Aviator]

I hope that everything will be fine in relations with them. Soviet engines. Therefore, while they will be friends against mattresses.