F/A-18F: A Viable Supplement to the JSF
Abstract
The United States Marine Corps' lethality has been its ability to operate and fight as a task organized MAGTF. As new threats have emerged, the Marines have adjusted and remained a step ahead of their enemies. A key constituent of their ability is the aviation combat element(ACE). In order for the ground combat element(GCE), which always has been the backbone of the USMC's combat power, to impose its will on the enemy, the ACE must be able to integrate itself into the fight as a supporting force. Unfortunately, the TACAIR community, specifically the AV-8B "Harrier" and F/A-18 "Hornet," is aging and its ability to remain ahead of threat technology is waning. The Marine Corps' solution is the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). While the JSF will revolutionize the battlefield and bring a capability to the GCE like no other platform has to date, an issue remains: how does one stretch the capabilities of aging AV-8Bs and F/A-18s to last throughout the JSF procurement? The USMC cannot maintain its current capability without an interim solution. To bridge this gap the Marine Corps should purchase the "Super Hornet" to supplement the JSF because the F/A-18F would maintain a twoseat forward air controller airborne (FAC(A)) capability, provide a carrier-based platform, and minimize the training and operational limitations imposed on aging platforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA499455
Entities
People
- S. B. Bowden
Organizations
- Marine Corps University