The Second Person in a Fighter Jet: Roles and Responsibilities
The Second Person in a Fighter Jet: Roles and Responsibilities
The second person in a fighter jet, often referred to as the weapons systems officer (WSO) or navigational officer, plays a crucial role in modern fighter jets. Depending on the aircraft and its specific roles, this individual might also go by different titles, such as co-pilot for multi-role fighters.
Roles in Different Air Forces
US Navy F-14 Tomcat: This aircraft is renowned for designating the second individual as the Radar Intercept Officer (RIO). The RIO's primary responsibility is to operate the radar and identify and track targets. This role is essential for effective air combat.
Current US Services: The term Weapon Systems Operator (WSO) is widely used in most international fighter jets. This position is typically colloquially shortened to Reo, Wizzo, or GIB (Guy In Back) in air combat slang. Some instances involve a navigator, but this is less common.
Vietnam Conflict and WSO's Role
During the Vietnam War, the Policy of sharing credit for aerial kills between the WSO and the pilot boosted the effectiveness of the USAF F-4 Phantom II team. The most decorated WSO of this conflict was Charles DeBellevue, scoring six kills as the weapons systems officer. This example highlights the critical role of the WSO in successful air combat operations.
Back Seater in Non-Pilot Roles
Most fighter jets, excluding training environments, do not have dual-pilot capabilities where both individuals fly the plane. Instead, the second person (back seater) assists with critical systems like radar and weapons control. This role is essential for the pilot's workload and the efficiency of combat operations.
In some cases, especially in Air Force F-4s, the second individual was a trained pilot. However, their primary role was operating the radar and managing the targeting systems. This specialization is vital for weapon system effectiveness, as back seaters are rigorously trained to operate these systems.
Acronyms and Training
The second person in a fighter jet is often referred to by specific acronyms such as RIO, WSO, or B/N, which typically vary based on the aircraft. While these names might reflect slight differences in their functions, the basic responsibilities—managing radar and targeting systems—remain consistent across various fighter jets.
From personal experience, the primary focus is on flying the aircraft, which is already a demanding task. The assistance in managing the targeting systems is undoubtedly welcome, making the back seater's role invaluable.