In current combat operations, three different Marine Corps fixed- wing platforms provide offensive air support (OAS) in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the near future, the Marine Corps intends to provide air support to the Marine- air- ground-task-force (MAGTF) with a single variant of aircraft, the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). By doing so, the Corps will be relying heavily on one aircraft to fulfill the roles of multiple platform capabilities. While operating from either a forward operating base (FOB), or from the flight deck of a ship, the Marine Corps needs to scrutinize the capabilities of the aircraft carrier variant F-35C. Historically, the MAGTF has relied on many aircraft for supporting troops on the ground. In the 1960's, the Marine Corps possessed the capabilities provided by the A-4 Skyhawk, the F-4 Phantom, and the A-6 Intruder. Modern strike aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier II and the F/A-18C/D Hornet support the MAGTF today. The introduction of the JSF will present a few challenges. The F-35B Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) model, designed mostly for close air support (CAS) missions, will have a hard time fulfilling all of the above platforms' capabilities.


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    Title :

    Integration of the F-35C into Marine Corps Acquisition Plans


    Contributors:
    J. M. Zarra (author)

    Publication date :

    2009


    Size :

    15 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English