One new concept by European aerospace giant Airbus is a stealthy two-seater. At a briefing in Germany, Airbus discussed a possible replacement for the Tornado fighters currently flown by Germany's Luftwaffe. The Tornado is primarily a strike aircraft, built to destroy things on the ground. What might the next one look like?

According to the Royal Aeronautical Society:

Interestingly the twin-engine, twin-tail stealth design would be a twin-seat design, according to Alberto Gutierrez, Head of Eurofighter Programme, Airbus DS. The second crewmember may be especially important for the FCAS concept of operations, which would see it operate in a wider battle network, potentially as a command and control asset or UCAV/UAV mission commander.

There is, in defense circle, a lot of speculation about the phasing out of humans inside the cockpits of airplanes, as unmanned aircraft get better and better. The improved abilities and autonomy of drones are one part of this picture, certainly. Another is the changing nature of what the people in the cockpits actually do. Both Airbus and Northrop Grumman are betting on fighter planes with onboard human controllers for the future. But the role itself might not be as a fighter.

Instead, we can think of it as a shepherd for robots. IHS Jane's writes:

"The German government asked Airbus to consider alternatives for a Tornado replacement that will be complementary with the Eurofighter. In principle, it could be a system of systems - either a manned and unmanned combination. [We have determined that unmanned combat air vehicles] UCAVs will not be at technology state ready by 2030-40 to support Eurofighters. It could be optionally manned, with two crew - one for command and control [and one pilot]," [Alberto Gutierrez] said.

The fighters of the future aren't just fighters. There's a good chance they'll be drone herders, too.