Expert: Marc Ebelini - 8/5/2011

Question
Hi,
I just want to ask that some planes like Sukhoi-30,F-14 are two seater but some fighter planes like mig-29,f-15 are single seater.
So why some fighter jets are single seater while some are double seater?
Which of these two types are better?

Answer
I cannot really answer your question because I do have not precise information on these airplanes. But to explain this in general terms it would be what the airplane is going to be used for. For example the Grumman A6 that I was involved with. The second person was on board because of the special applications for which this aircraft was being made to do. For example the second person would be busy monitoring ground terrain because it was designed to be able to fly under the radars. This required a lot of attention the pilot could not add to his business of flying the airplane. That secound person was able make any last minute changes neccessary to complete his mission. Like the A6 the F14 also has a radar officer aboad because of it's multi task function. When designed as strictly fighter planes, then the second person is not neccessary. They are not co-pilots in the way we think of two seater airplanes. From example: while we see dual controls in two and four seater private planes. The Beechcraft Bonanza had only one control wheel that was a throw over in emergency. For training people would buy or rent a dual control wheel. The emergency rudder pedals folded down into the floor.