 |
| An F/A-18 lands on a runway using the M-31 expeditionary arresting gear at Al Asad air base, Iraq. (U.S. Marine Corps photo) |
 |
| A UH-1Y Huey helicopter and AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 takeoff using a mobile expeditionary airfield AM2 mat with minimum operation strip lighting system (MOSLS). (U.S. Marine Corps photo) |
If you're saying that it will "diminish" the Marine Corps expeditionary flavor then I tell you you're wrong.
Meet again (yeah I've posted on this before but it bears repeating) the Expeditionary Air Field. Little talked about but a tremendous asset if we're being serious about fully exploiting the capabilities of the Marine Expeditionary Force, the EAF can help bring the fight to the enemy. Its backbreaking to install but once functioning it is a sight to behold.
via NAVAIR.
Description:
Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) allow military aircraft to launch and land in any flat terrain, making it an in-disposable commodity for our armed forces and NATO allies.
EAF is a shore-based, aviation support system that permits rapid deployment and recovery of aircraft within range of ground forces. Although an EAF can be as basic as a grass landing zone to support helicopter operations, the installation of one or more EAF subsystems adds versatility and/or durability to the site. EAF equipment provides not only mobile matting, but also arresting gear and lighting for “runway” guidance.
Introduction of aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey and the ongoing testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, keep the EAF team continually evolving its equipment and methods to provide fleet Marine forces with flexible, practical and advanced systems. The proven success of joint service operations involving the deployment of U.S., NATO, and other allied nation aircraft, guarantees the presence of EAF systems in future combat operations.
EAF products:
*AM-2 matting and accessories
*Light and extreme lightweight matting
*M-31 expeditionary arresting gear
*Airfield lighting and terminal guidance
*Minimum operating strip lighting system
*Maintenance shelters
*Airfield design
*Airfield communication system
Why not just Super Hornets with EPE engines?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPn1LVXvvRQ
because even with the fanciest engines you can install you still need a place to LAND. not everywhere we go has modern roadways that we can use.
Deletestop thinking like a Sailor and think like a Marine in the bush.
LogO says Marines hate EAF, at least installing it. Highly doubt the F-35 ever sees the EAF, to much risk of them getting shot at near the front lines. Anyone know if the EAF can take the exaust of a V-22?
DeleteChicken-&-Egg Challenge:
ReplyDeleteHow would you get all this to shore ?
A runway delivered by air ?
Honestly I don't see the problem.
ReplyDeleteA Super Hornet can take off and landing in the same distance as the Harrier loaded for combat, it can use the same improvised airfields or even Highways, the only difference is the vertical landing. The Harriers don't do vertical take off loaded. With the new software developed for the X-47B the Super Hornets could even landing in a small carrier easily, all you need is an arrest cable.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z4osAiSmEM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfFMxulKwdk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hgjY_za9vA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4th4zlCgMM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLUZARGNzJ4&feature=youtube_gdata_player