“MAGTF refers to the unique four-part structure that organizes Marine Corps operating forces,” according to the Corps. “This framework brings together Aviation, Ground, and Logistics Combat elements under a central command element. The result is a flexible, combined-arms unit with the capabilities to conduct the Marine Corps’ full range of operations, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to projection of power from the sea.
“A MEU, or Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the smallest type of MAGTF, often providing the most substantial response in the shortest amount of time. [Of] 2,200 Marines that are trained in hundreds of areas of expertise [to] serve on a MEU, … approximately 500 [are ACE]. A MEU’s ACE is built around a medium tilt-rotor squadron, reinforced by … heavy lift helicopters, light attack helicopters, and Harrier attack jets. The result is a squadron of 25 to 30 aircraft.”
“A MEU, or Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the smallest type of MAGTF, often providing the most substantial response in the shortest amount of time. [Of] 2,200 Marines that are trained in hundreds of areas of expertise [to] serve on a MEU, … approximately 500 [are ACE]. A MEU’s ACE is built around a medium tilt-rotor squadron, reinforced by … heavy lift helicopters, light attack helicopters, and Harrier attack jets. The result is a squadron of 25 to 30 aircraft.”
Successful shipboard testing aboard USS Wasp has boosted the F-35B program. Lockheed Martin photo
Those aircraft, carried aboard Navy aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships, provide six functions: assault support, anti-air warfare, offensive air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. Those roles are spread across more than a dozen new and legacy aircraft types in the Corps fleet of more than 1,000 rotor, tilt-rotor, and fixed-wing platforms.
“The aircraft of Marine Aviation have varied roles, but an identical mission – supporting Marines on the ground. The complementary integration of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, tilt-rotor, and unmanned aircraft equips Marines with multiple capabilities to engage on any terrain on Earth,” according to the ACE website.
A long-time USMC goal has been to create a fully STOVL fixed-wing air fleet in addition to its rotary-wing platforms. The first of those was the AV-8A Harrier jump jet, introduced into Marine aviation in 1971, later replaced by the AV-8B Harrier II, which reached initial operating capability in January 1985. The AV-8Bs are in turn to be replaced by the F-35B, but both the overall international Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and the Marine Corps variant have struggled with design issues, delays, and cost overruns.
A long-time USMC goal has been to create a fully STOVL fixed-wing air fleet in addition to its rotary-wing platforms. The first of those was the AV-8A Harrier jump jet, introduced into Marine aviation in 1971, later replaced by the AV-8B Harrier II, which reached initial operating capability in January 1985. The AV-8Bs are in turn to be replaced by the F-35B, but both the overall international Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and the Marine Corps variant have struggled with design issues, delays, and cost overruns.
Only two days after prime contractor Lockheed Martin announced the test fleet, comprising all three variants, had surpassed 10,000 flight hours, the Joint Program Office (JPO) announced two cracks had been found in an F-35B durability test aircraft.