52:06.
This might be the number that marks a turning point in the discussion of the F-35. For the first time it was revealed that the Marine Corps is working on a plan B. This post is an attempt to give my 2 cents to what that plan might look like.
Harriers.
The Marine Corps a couple of years ago made the decision to buy the British Harriers that they were selling off. Critics said that it was a waste and that all available funds should be funneled into the F-35 program. Purist cheered. The F-35 was already late and this infusion of new planes and parts would ensure the viability of the Harrier past 2030. The reality of things are very clear now. The F-35, even if it goes forward, won't deliver combat capabilities of any worth till after 2025 at best. Any further delays could push that past 2030. Its obvious that the move was brilliant and that the Harrier is quickly becoming the backbone of the Marine Corps fleet. Legacy Hornets continue to age and the role filled by the F/A-18D needs to be addressed. Expect further enhancements to the Harrier. Its definitely part of the plan B.
Super Hornets.
The Marine Corps Aviation side of the house made its chops by being as affordable as the ground side. It did this by flying Navy aircraft whenever possible. It did this by flying Army aircraft whenever possible. Often it did it by flying these designs LOOOONG after they were replaced in other services. I'd like to see a return to the Marine Corps falling in on Navy or Army supply/training and maintenance houses. Using the Super Hornet to fulfill the Marine Corps carrier aviation requirement would yield immediate benefits. We could update the aircraft in line with the Navy. We could again make use of their supply/training/maintenance establishment. We could become cheaper and more lethal again. I disagree with the idea of downplaying warfighting in preference of HA/DR but if that is the case then we can wait for a 6th gen STOVL jet done right this time. The SH then makes even more sense.
Artillery.
What is available 24/7/365, in any weather, dust storms, snow, etc...suffers much fewer mechanical breakdowns than aviation, is totally dependent on the judgement of the end user and can generally strike with devastating results whenever its let off its chain? Artillery. What we'll actually be seeing with my proposed plan B is a more balanced force than currently envisioned by the CMC. I'd steal a few more HIMARS from the Army and see if we can develop a HIMARS mounted ATACMS but artillery could be a saving grace for future ground combat operations.
Wildcat Ideas.
I won't touch on the wildcat ideas that might be floating around. They range from using Gripens, to AT-6's (a return of light attack aircraft would be welcome though) and I've even heard suggestions that a squadron or two of S-3's be rebuilt to be used as forward tankers for Harriers so that their endurance can be increased. I don't know. I do know that the solution should be simple, straight forward and easily recognized as being a money saver. Its time to get to work. We know sequestration is going to continue. The light we're seeing isn't the end of the tunnel but the lights of a freight train about to run down the slow witted and unthinking.
This might be the number that marks a turning point in the discussion of the F-35. For the first time it was revealed that the Marine Corps is working on a plan B. This post is an attempt to give my 2 cents to what that plan might look like.
 |
| yeah, its a British Harrier make a pass through a valley (forgot the name...its famous though) but that's ok...we bought their planes a couple of years ago. |
The Marine Corps a couple of years ago made the decision to buy the British Harriers that they were selling off. Critics said that it was a waste and that all available funds should be funneled into the F-35 program. Purist cheered. The F-35 was already late and this infusion of new planes and parts would ensure the viability of the Harrier past 2030. The reality of things are very clear now. The F-35, even if it goes forward, won't deliver combat capabilities of any worth till after 2025 at best. Any further delays could push that past 2030. Its obvious that the move was brilliant and that the Harrier is quickly becoming the backbone of the Marine Corps fleet. Legacy Hornets continue to age and the role filled by the F/A-18D needs to be addressed. Expect further enhancements to the Harrier. Its definitely part of the plan B.
Super Hornets.
The Marine Corps Aviation side of the house made its chops by being as affordable as the ground side. It did this by flying Navy aircraft whenever possible. It did this by flying Army aircraft whenever possible. Often it did it by flying these designs LOOOONG after they were replaced in other services. I'd like to see a return to the Marine Corps falling in on Navy or Army supply/training and maintenance houses. Using the Super Hornet to fulfill the Marine Corps carrier aviation requirement would yield immediate benefits. We could update the aircraft in line with the Navy. We could again make use of their supply/training/maintenance establishment. We could become cheaper and more lethal again. I disagree with the idea of downplaying warfighting in preference of HA/DR but if that is the case then we can wait for a 6th gen STOVL jet done right this time. The SH then makes even more sense.
Artillery.
What is available 24/7/365, in any weather, dust storms, snow, etc...suffers much fewer mechanical breakdowns than aviation, is totally dependent on the judgement of the end user and can generally strike with devastating results whenever its let off its chain? Artillery. What we'll actually be seeing with my proposed plan B is a more balanced force than currently envisioned by the CMC. I'd steal a few more HIMARS from the Army and see if we can develop a HIMARS mounted ATACMS but artillery could be a saving grace for future ground combat operations.
Wildcat Ideas.
I won't touch on the wildcat ideas that might be floating around. They range from using Gripens, to AT-6's (a return of light attack aircraft would be welcome though) and I've even heard suggestions that a squadron or two of S-3's be rebuilt to be used as forward tankers for Harriers so that their endurance can be increased. I don't know. I do know that the solution should be simple, straight forward and easily recognized as being a money saver. Its time to get to work. We know sequestration is going to continue. The light we're seeing isn't the end of the tunnel but the lights of a freight train about to run down the slow witted and unthinking.
