JSF: The Need for a Two-Seat Variant

Abstract

Abstract : In the 1970's, the requirement to replace the F-4 Phantom aircraft was identified. The manufacturer's concept and design teams focused on selling the technologically advanced single-seat variant of the F/A-18. The decision makers argued, modern technology was to absorb the increased workload that was the task of the second crewman.1 After several flight tests and cost analysis studies, the Marine Corps identified the need for and purchased a dual seat F/A-18 Hornet. The Marine Corps faces a very similar situation in the twenty-first century with the purchase of the fifth generation, technologically superior F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The JSF's sophisticated technology includes stealth, fighter performance, integrated sensor fusion, net enabled operations and advanced sustainment.2 The Marine Corps has decided to replace the F/A-18, AV-8B and the EA-6B platforms with one single aircraft, the F-35B Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant. The purchase of one single airframe to replace the current USMC aircraft may be economical but it accepts a great deal of risk by relying on one single variant. A way to mitigate this risk is to purchase an additional JSF variant.