• A USMC F-35B. The Marine Corps declared IOC with Block 2B software in July 2015 as it provided increased initial warfighting capability. Marine F-35Bs have the necessary weapons to conduct close air support, air interdiction and limited suppression/destruction of enemy air defence missions. Credit: USMC
    A USMC F-35B. The Marine Corps declared IOC with Block 2B software in July 2015 as it provided increased initial warfighting capability. Marine F-35Bs have the necessary weapons to conduct close air support, air interdiction and limited suppression/destruction of enemy air defence missions. Credit: USMC
Close×

Marine Corps declares F-35B jump jet operational

3 August 2015
Comments Comments

Patrick Durrant | Sydney

The US Marine Corps' vertical short takeoff or landing (V/STOL) variant of F-35B Joint Strike Fighter reached initial operational capability late last week with a squadron of 10 aircraft ready for world-wide deployment. 

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, based in Yuma, Arizona, is the first squadron in military history to become operational with an F-35 variant, following a five-day Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), which concluded July 17.

General Joseph Dunford, Commandant of the Marine Corps said: “VMFA-121 has ten aircraft in the Block 2B configuration with the requisite performance envelope and weapons clearances, to include the training, sustainment capabilities, and infrastructure to deploy to an austere site or a ship".

Dunford added the aircraft is capable of conducting Close Air Support, Offensive and Defensive Counter Air, Air Interdiction, Assault Support Escort and Armed Reconnaissance as part of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or in support of the Joint Force.

"As the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation, the F-35B will eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler."

“Prior to declaring IOC, we have conducted flight operations for seven weeks at sea aboard an L-Class carrier, participated in multiple large force exercises, and executed a recent operational evaluation which included multiple live ordnance sorties," said Dunford.

”The F-35B’s ability to conduct operations from expeditionary airstrips or sea-based carriers provides our Nation with its first 5th generation strike fighter, which will transform the way we fight and win.”

As the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation, the F-35B will eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler.

The US Marine Corps has trained and qualified more than 50 Marine F-35B pilots and certified about 500 maintenance personnel to assume autonomous, organic-level maintenance support for the F-35B.

The US Navy has modified its new class of amphibious assault ships to cater for the new aircraft type. The America-class has an increased aviation capacity to include an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment and increased aviation fuel capacity. 

The Abbott government has considered purchasing the variant for use on the Royal Australian Navy's Canberra-class LHDs however the ship design modifications that would be required for the F-35B would be considerable.  

Watch this video chronicling the journey of the F-35B to USMC IOC. 

 

comments powered by Disqus