Well, SM does have a lot more potential for precision strikes that Su-27 that can only use dumb bombs. So there was some improvement in terms of CAS. But without a pod its only real CAS role is SEAD with Kh-31 (which it performed nicely, at least one Patriot system was destroyed by Su-30SM2). But Su-35 can do pretty much the same.
Su-57 can do CAS without a second pilot, 2-seater is most likely aimed for export or for drone control/network hub
Yeah, That’s what I think the F-15C/D is a more apt western comparison for SM2/35S.
I mean, George gave a very… Direct answer about the 57D going up for export.
I would assume it’s aimed for drone control & networking systems, but according to George, it was found during (that thing we’re not allowed to talk about on the Forums) that the Su-57 needed an extra pilot.
Besides, atm it’s all prototyping.
Well, extra pilot never hurts to have (outside of logistics of having to train an extra human being, pay to an extra human being, feed an extra human being and supply it with everything else. You are basically doubling your pilot count without doubling your aircraft count). But i don’t think that extra pilot was so super crucial, otherwise Russia would ramp up Su-30 production and slow down Su-35. Maybe for air defence roles single pilot was found lacking, because you might need to engage literally dozens of targets
I’m not sure, Again, all that I know is that apparently they found that a second pilot was needed.
If I had to guess it’s something like the Super Hornet, which I’ve heard described as a 120% effort plane. It’s a little bit much for just one person to handle (Needing 120% of their effort), but with two people it becomes much easier.
But again, I I don’t know why they need a second pilot.
One thing i’ve heard about MiG-31 is that, while MiG-25 pilots were overstrained having to control everything by themselves, MiG-31 crews, due to highly automated avionics (for the time) and 2 crew members, quite often felt extremely bored.
That makes sense, but to be fair, The Su-57 and MiG-31 have EXTREMELY different jobs.
I can see why a second pilot might be nice to have when you’re in a super advanced plane like the Su-57.
No offense to my MiG-31 fans, but it kinda just goes high and fast, the Su-57 does a little bit more than that.
Maybe the second seat could serve as a command post as was intended on the original Su-30/Su-27PU
That would make a lot of sense, especially with stuff like S-70.
Well, Su-57 also probably has even more sophisticated automation than MiG-31. But we barely know what the hell Su-57 evn doing in combat to know why would they think about addition of a second pilot.
If I had to guess, you and Balta are right.;
Something to do with drones and networking.
Well, to be fair, Su-30SM/2 also can do that (as well as Su-35S, just not to an extend a second human would allow you to do so). We know that Su-35S double as AWACS with their beam weapons disguised as search and track radars
hey, with 2 crew members we now certainly can slap 2 targeting pods!
Sure they can also do that but it’s intended to do the same but on the 5th gen platform
More eyes, more pods, more to see…
All seeing
This is somewhat contradicts with the idea of a stealth aircraft in my opinion. At least from western perspective, where something like F-22 will silently get close, and launch its missiles with the help of a “big brother” that microwaves everything with its dish from the safe range.
Su-57:
Sees all, Knows all.
or even just pilot training
Are we getting new Su-57 production lines ready? Because having dedicated trainers for a platform that has super limited numbers feels counterproductive
well i mean that they could pull double duty as tariner and combat aircraft in one
just like the Su-30