The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing to begin operations for the first operational F-35 squadron next month at MCAS Yuma, Ariz., and officials are optimistic for a mid-month standup despite some challenges ahead.Stealth has finally come to the Naval Services.
Key to starting up squadron operations will be a small but growing cadre of maintainers, pilots and aircraft, says Col. Kevin Killea, aviation requirements branch head for the Marine Corps.
The first F-35B is expected at Marine Fighter Attack Sqdn. 121 in early November, with the second slated for delivery mid-month. These will be the first low-rate-initial-production aircraft delivered from prime contractor Lockheed Martin to the Defense Department, and these aircraft will include the 1B software. A total of 16 F-35Bs, the number needed for full operational capability, are expected at the base within the next year, Killea says.
Six pilots have been tapped for early operations at Yuma, as well. They are currently in various stages of training; some are already qualified to use the 1A software and simply need to get “difference training” between the two blocks. Killea says small group tryouts are slated for November to determine which two of five pilots in the first 1B class at Eglin AFB, Fla., where pilot training is handled, will be among those first six pilots selected for ops at Yuma.
But to begin operations, the Marine Corps must continue to implement a foundation for the squadron’s infrastructure at the base, including delivery of the Autonomic Information Logistics System (ALIS) Block 1.03. Last month, Maj. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, F-35 deputy program director, pointed out that the squadron will not be able to properly stand up without this system. ALIS is a comprehensive system of hardware and software used to manage the F-35, including health and diagnostics of each aircraft, supply tasks and mission planning. The 1.03 release is critical for Yuma because it includes the security features needed to conduct classified operations; Killea notes that Eglin is using ALIS 1.02 because the training base doesn’t need to access classified flight data. An operational squadron, however, cannot function without it.
Lockheed Martin has had problems with ALIS 1.03 owing to security vulnerabilities. Killea says that the work “has come a long way in the last couple of months,” and what could have been a six-month slip was compressed to allow for standup of the squadron next month.
The Marines still decline to outline a specific initial operational capability (IOC) date for the F-35B. IOC will require 10 F-35Bs available for ship- or land-based deployment and surge options. That also will include the appropriate number of pilots and two-shift maintenance operations, Killea says.
IOC is tied somewhat to release of the Block 2B F-35 software. But Killea says the Marines will withhold an IOC declaration until all of the needed capabilities—such as basic close-air-support and interdiction activities as well as initial air-to-air and data-linking—are delivered, whether they are included in Block 2B or a subsequent release.
IOC for the F-35B is 2012, calendar year!
Great job Commandant. Now get me a MPC, and ACV!
IMHO 2014 at the earliest, if they stick to the 2B requirement.
ReplyDeleteBesides, they won't have 10 birds at Yuma till next year at the earliest.
Then they have to wait till they get updated to 2B.
Then they have to train for a while with the 2B's capabilities to get signed off as combat proficient with them.
you're wrong. they can deploy with an MEU with 6 airplanes. next. even with 1B capabilities you still come to the table with more capabilities than the Harrier. last its important to get these planes operational.
Deleteno parsing of words here. the Squadron is standing up. critics be damned.
Don't misunderstand me, I was just commenting on the "official" declaration of IOC not its capability to go into combat. The DoD has already stated that they are willing and able to use the F-35 in combat before the "official" IOC is declared.
Deletesol, how many harriers/35s can an amphib fit? do you think they will first deploy with both, 6 to start off with, i know they did tests on the wasps but sending 6 out like you mentioned on a tour would give great experience while still keeping backup abilities of a harrier in case problems arise.
ReplyDeletethe standard compliment is suppose to be 6 F-35's or Av-8's. but everything about a MEU is ooperationally dependent so it changes depending on expected conditions. but 6 is the "basic" configuration. the thing is that once the plane goes operational it will be impossible to stop the program.
Deletelast but not least they do need experience with dealing with stealth coatings at sea. i don't think the Marine Corps really gives a flying fuck about stealth they want the planes other capabilities but it will help against front line competition.
Do I even need to go to AvWeek to know BS didn't write the article? ;-)
ReplyDeleteMarine Aviation..The Only way to fly!
ReplyDeleteWe have come a long way since the F2F Brewster Buffalo at Midway, this F-35 will be a godsend to the Grunts in the boonies.
An MEU is designed to have a standard package of such equipment Aviation/ground forces Arty and Armor for load out But the package can change to fit the mission very fast. Six AV8/F35 on an LPH or strip the Ground element and the Rotors and load up as many AV8/F35 as can be carried and launched. Same with a ARG tailored to meet the mission.