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Marine Corps Update: Legacy and Leading-Edge Aviation

Throughout its stormy development, the Corps has maintained consistent support for the STOVL variant, saying the Marines have no “Plan B” alternative.

“The F-35 is the best hedge against the ever-evolving and unknown threats posed by potential adversaries.”

“Our nation expects us to make informed decisions about developing and employing the most effective military capabilities to support our national security strategy,” Schmidle said. “The F-35 is the best hedge against the ever-evolving and unknown threats posed by potential adversaries.”

KC-130J, F-35B, and F-35C

A KC-130J refuels an F-35B and F-35C over Edwards Air Force Base in late 2013. The future of Marine Corps aviation includes all three of these aircraft. Lockheed Martin photo

The headlines and intense debate surrounding the F-35B are reminiscent of those faced during development of the MV-22 Osprey. The now heavily used tilt-rotor has the speed and range of a turboprop, the maneuverability of a helicopter, and the ability to carry 24 Marines in full combat gear twice as fast and five times farther than previous helicopters.

A replacement for the Corps’ CH-46 Sea Knight and remaining CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters, the Osprey earned its combat stripes in Afghanistan and is now considered a major linchpin in the Corps’ ability to project power from the sea.

Marines also fly the EA-6B Prowler as an organic electronic warfare (EW) asset and the KC-130 Hercules to conduct aerial refueling. In a traditional Marine Corps approach, both have expanded missions.

The Prowler is designated as a “national asset” and is available to support any U.S. combat operations worldwide, not just Corps missions. It and the Navy’s EA-18G Growler are the U.S. military’s only tactical EW aircraft.

A replacement for the Corps’ CH-46 Sea Knight and remaining CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters, the Osprey earned its combat stripes in Afghanistan and is now considered a major linchpin in the Corps’ ability to project power from the sea.

With the addition of an ISR/Weapon Mission Kit, the new KC-130J also provides “overwatch” for ground forces, with 30 mm cannon fire, Hellfire or Griffin missiles, and precision-guided munitions (PGMs).

In an uncertain post-Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom world of tight budgets, downsizing, forced life cycle extensions, new platform production delays, and a Pacific pivot that will put greater demands on sea-based assets, the Marine Corps plans continue to rely heavily on its aviation component.

“Marines are first to fight because Marine aircraft get them there first,” the ACE website declares. “Marines are at the tip of the spear because Marine aircraft cover them at the forward edge of battle.”

This article first appeared in the Marine Corps Outlook 2013-2014 Edition.

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J.R. Wilson has been a full-time freelance writer, focusing primarily on aerospace, defense and high...