I'm in a mood today so forgive the numerous posts.
Think about this. With all the budget concerns, the one essential Marine Corps project you haven't heard a thing about is the CH-53K.
The Marine Corps is putting together a CRAZY procurement schedule for the AAV/ACV/MPC program.
Upgrade the AAV's by 2017. Put the ACV in production by 2020 and then the MPC after that. Only the MPC project seems ready to go but that's the vehicle that HQMC seems least enthused about (we really need both).
But to add to that misery, the Marine Corps has essentially placed the CH-53K program on hold. Sikorsky offered to build a demonstrator of the helo on its own dime and the Marine Corps is still considering the offer.
Of all the aviation projects that the Marine Corps absolutely needs, the CH-53K is at the top of that list.
Why its disappeared from the talking points is a mystery to me but rebuilds WILL NOT do when it comes to these airplanes. They've been ridden hard, served admirably and its time for the next gen.
A little birdy tells me that the real issue is that the Marine Corps is pleased by the performance of the K-Max and is looking at extending the CH-53E and filling the void by procuring a fleet of those smaller helicopters.
I hope that isn't true. The CH-53 has served as a troop transport, casualty evacuation platform, performed TRAP missions and moved practically everything in the vehicle/aircraft fleet except for M1 Tanks.
The Marine Corps has to have an AAV replacement. It has to replace the CH-53E with the K model and it needs to sort it out now.
If other projects need to be delayed then so be it, but its time to prioritize on the essentials.
The CH-53K is an essential.
UPDATE: Want a little more misery? Defense Tech is reporting that the US Army expects to have a milestone C decision by 2019. That means that they will have started development of their Bradley replacement AND gotten it into production before the Marine Corps gets the AAV replacement going. Read about the GCV here.
Any particular reason my comments got deleted?
ReplyDelete"Sikorsky offered to build a demonstrator of the helo on its own dime and the Marine Corps is still considering the offer."
ReplyDeleteWhere did this come from?
As for any "mystery" there isn't one. They're in the process of building the first SEVEN units for testing (ground test, static test, fatigue test, flight, etc.). The testing phase will last several years. I'm not sure why there's such a concern that we don't here about it in the news everyday. Personally, I'm glad it's not. Just let it keep progressing nice and quiet and beneath the radar so to speak. Last thing we need is some idiot politician deciding they need to go on a crusade to cancel yet another program.
read the latest post you arrogant fuck.
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