via DoDBuzz.
The Marine Corps version of the jet, called the F-35B, which can take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane, will reach the milestone by December 2015; the Air Force’s by December 2016 and the Navy’s by February 2019, according to information provided by Marine Capt. Richard Ulsh, a spokesman for the service at the Pentagon.If you're an airpower advocate you should be jumping for joy. The F-35 has weathered the storm and will be introduced into USMC service by Dec. 2015.
“Our nation expects us to make informed decisions about developing and employing the most effective military capabilities to support our national security strategy,” Lt. Gen. Robert Schmidle, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant of aviation, said in a statement. “The F-35 is the best hedge against the ever-evolving and unknown threats posed by potential adversaries.”
If you're a Marine Corps supporter you should be alarmed, angry and ready to punch walls---or throats.
Even if we ignore the MV-22, UH-1Y and AH-1Z buys you're still left with a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach when you look at the current and projected future state of Marine armor.
A quick list of MAJOR programs.
*Amphibious Combat Vehicle...it may or may not be a high water speed variant. If they choose that route then we're looking at another 5-10 years before its ready (quite honestly after seeing the procurement log jam, that's what I'm expecting....it won't be a legit response, merely a way to keep the hounds at bay)
*Marine Personnel Carrier...pick a vehicle between Lockheed and BAE and be done with it. If either one can't start production soon then give the other guy a chance...it won't happen because this program will be canceled...they'll use the carrot of replacing the AAV with the ACV on a one for one basis as an excuse.
*JLTV...I've heard from readers that are really big on this program, but I can't join with them on it. Upgrading HUMVEEs as a money saving measure seems like the better idea, but the USMC will swallow hard and take every bit of jizz from the ARMY on this project....a project neither service really needs.
*AAV Upgrade...we haven't heard a word on exactly what the upgrades will be but at this time I'm not holding my breath. I fully expect this upgrade to be pushed back and the best thing to happen will be that they will use a RESET program to get them back into decent, not great shape.
Long story short, we have an Aviator as Commandant, an Assistant Commandant for aviation and no one is looking out for the grunts.
Tell me I'm wrong but the USMC is being fucked for the sake of the F-35. From my seat it appears that one program is sucking up all the air in the procurement budget room.
Besides the above programs there is one more to watch. The CH-53K. First flight is suppose to occur in 2014. If that program is pushed back even further then we're looking at the every other Marine program being sacrificed to the F-35.
IOC is 2015 but will it be cleared to use any ordnance other then LGB's? That includes the gun mount. Also it doesn't have the ROVER capability to pick up outside video without a targeting pod.
ReplyDeleteYeah its from Aviation Leak but still...
i'm losing my mind because its blowing another well laid Marine plan out the water. we were once talking about staggered procurement but as things look now, the AAV upgrade won't happen, the MPC is dead, the CH-53 looks to be in danger and we have TONS of british harriers sitting around that we could use to DELAY buying F-35's but NO. instead we're doing this! its enough to want to skull fuck the entire headshed!
DeleteI think I also read that they intend to fly the Harrier's up to 2030.
DeleteYou're right though. F-35 does bring a lot to the game but do you sacrifice everything to it? One thing I hate is that all the jets they are buying and building now will have to be retrofitted, at additional cost, with all the fixes the later models get. Whoever allowed that to go through should be hung.
I love the CH-53K. That machine should be the standard throughout the military for heavy lift. Get rid of the CH-47's.
yeah i heard about the 2030 date for continued Harrier operations...but what haven't you heard about? the legacy Hornets! my bet? they're going to be retired early and F-35C buys will be accelerated! that makes the procurement wreck even worse!
DeleteProblem with that is the C version IOC is 2019 according to the USN. They're holding out until the full software package is available. Will the Navy let the Corps use them before that date? If not, and they need the airframes, will they get F-18E/F's shoved at them?
DeleteDid you see the list of modifications they have to do to the amphibs to support the B model? Little things but they all add up.
dude, that might be saving grace (the Navy having to do extensive mods on amphibs!)...that could slow down the purchase if the Navy is in the same budget fix as the Marines and it could let us get balanced again.
DeleteExcellent point. So much money being thrown at F-35C, it is interfering with the USMC's core mission.
ReplyDeleteSame with the Osprey. It's too expensive. It was budgeted for a different time and different budgets. It needs to be canned.