Optimizing the Employment of the F-35 to Support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations: Operational Analysis of the F-35 as an Inside and Outside Force
Abstract
Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations is a new Marine Corps concept for operating inside an enemy's weapon engagement zone, but this study's operations analysis of various employment options for the Marine Corps' F-35 suggest the Corps will be hard pressed to operate this platform solely as an inside force against a Chinese threat. The F-35s relatively short range, small payload- particularly when operating in stealth mode- and basing vulnerabilities indicate the Marine Corps will need to development a balanced role for the F-35 operating as both an inside and an outside force. This mixed approach offers the best chance for reducing risk to the F-35 while maximizing the platforms strike capabilities. As an inside force, F-35s operating stealthily from land or ship will improve their odds of survival, but at the cost of reduced offensive capabilities; as an outside force, F-35s configured to maximize payloads and range can bring heavier firepower to bear, but at greater risk of detection and interdiction by the enemy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1177871
Entities
People
- Steven T Suetos
Organizations
- Marine Corps University