Q&A ยท 2:27:00-2:27:29

Could future fighters need a dedicated drone operator?

Integrating uncrewed aircraft gives a second crew member a practical supervisory role.

Question

Could sixth-generation fighters need two or three crew?

Short answer

Extra crew could make sense when a fighter must manage accompanying drones, particularly a second person assigned to watch them.

Notes

A future fighter with uncrewed aircraft integrated into its combat system may benefit from additional crew. A second person could watch and manage those drones while the pilot handles the aircraft. Three crew remain a possibility raised by the question, while the answer specifically supports restoring a second operator.