F35 two seat?

Hi Guys and Girls,

Just wondering if a two seat F35 were ever considered?

Kind regards

RAB

a reply to: RAB

No. This one is lucky to have a pilot.

a reply to: lakenheath24

There was some early design work, I've been told, but word came down from on high that there was no reason for it.

a reply to: RAB

With the issues the F-35 has had, a two seat version would have proven to be even more fun.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Considering every square inch of s0ace is used for fuel and cooling. The r2d2 package sits back there.

a reply to: lakenheath24

Exactly. It would have been a not insignificant challenge engineering wise.

a reply to: Zaphod58

id imagine its very hard to modify a plane like the f-35 when its radar cross section is so very important aswell. id imagine it would require almost as much engineering as an entire new plane. the other poster is right aswell, its lucky to even have a single pilot.

I imagine with improvements in synthetic training too reduce the need for trainers.

originally posted by: Forensick
I imagine with improvements in synthetic training too reduce the need for trainers.

The second seat would more than likely be located on the ground, given today's technology.

a reply to: Masisoar

With the new virtual links they can stick a pilot in the cockpit and he can fly an entire mission without leaving the parking spot. It will be complete with an entire strike package.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Masisoar

With the new virtual links they can stick a pilot in the cockpit and he can fly an entire mission without leaving the parking spot. It will be complete with an entire strike package.

Although a bit off topic... my question that I pose for debate is as follows... Do remote pilots deserve the same consideration as actual pilots where the DFC medal, gold silver and bronze stars, etc are awarded.

a reply to: EternalSolace

Yes and no. They deserve the medals, but for different circumstances obviously. A UAV pilot faces their own stresses that can be just as bad as a manned aircraft, short of being in danger.