[Goose]

https://x.com/_wild_billkelso/status/200...15309?s=20

Apparently Ukraine has at least one two seater F16. I figure these were intended mostly for training, but I wonder if it could be a potent counter drone/cruise missile platform if you have a RIO/WSO type in the cockpit to help with target acquisition and designation.

An apt topic for Goose to weigh in on.

Having two sets of eyes can be a useful thing in some cases, like seeing off-axis threats. However, it must be kept in mind that the F-16B is designed to train pilots. The "guy in back" (GIB) does not have the "extra" sensors that are normally present in a two-seat purpose-designed fighter e.g. the F-15E Strike Eagle. The F-16B GIB is not and cannot be a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in that sense. Normally one would expect F-16s attacking cruise missiles to be vectored close enough to the target via others sensors to allow acquiring the target with the F-16s onboard radar. If Ukraine is relying on visual acquisition they are in a world of hurt. Finding a small target moving relatively fast at night visually is obviously a challenge. To do so at all you have to be close enough to see the target with your eyes. If your radar doesn't already see it, in fact seen it many miles earlier, something is really wrong. If OTOH Ukraine is conducting BVR target acquisition (the "normal" case) the GIB would be almost entirely a passenger.

[Goose]

https://x.com/_wild_billkelso/status/200...15309?s=20

Apparently Ukraine has at least one two seater F16. I figure these were intended mostly for training, but I wonder if it could be a potent counter drone/cruise missile platform if you have a RIO/WSO type in the cockpit to help with target acquisition and designation.

An apt topic for Goose to weigh in on.

Having two sets of eyes can be a useful thing in some cases, like seeing off-axis threats. However, it must be kept in mind that the F-16B is designed to train pilots. The "guy in back" (GIB) does not have the "extra" sensors that are normally present in a two-seat purpose-designed fighter e.g. the F-15E Strike Eagle. The F-16B GIB is not and cannot be a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in that sense. Normally one would expect F-16s attacking cruise missiles to be vectored close enough to the target via others sensors to allow acquiring the target with the F-16s onboard radar. If Ukraine is relying on visual acquisition they are in a world of hurt. Finding a small target moving relatively fast at night visually is obviously a challenge. To do so at all you have to be close enough to see the target with your eyes. If your radar doesn't already see it, in fact seen it many miles earlier, something is really wrong. If OTOH Ukraine is conducting BVR target acquisition (the "normal" case) the GIB would be almost entirely a passenger.