F-35B LIGHTNING II SEMPER FI
The three primary F-35 models are the A, B, and C (Israel also has an “I” model). We will be focusing on the Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) B model, which is the Marine Corps primary variant. The Marines are also procuring some aircraft-carrier-capable C models, but these will be significantly fewer.
The Marines also currently operate the VTOL AV-8B Harrier II, but this successful icon of Marine Corps aviation is now in its golden years; relatively soon, the aging Jump Jet will be completely put out to pasture and stood down. So what’s the latest on the Semper Fi JSF? The Marines have been working diligently, now utilizing the F-35B Lightning II in action within theaters of operation. The program is a spiral development system, so aircraft upgrades and capabilities are ongoing as the F-35 matures and forges ahead to the right along the timeline. The F-35B has now seen combat in Afghanistan and has deployed on Marine Expeditionary Units aboard assault ships in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) scheme.
ALTHOUGH THE F-35 HAD SOME DELAYS AND COST OVERRUNS, THIS FIFTH GENERATION AIRCRAFT COMES EQUIPPED WITH ROBUST STATE-OF-THE-ART CAPABILITIES AND A PLETHORA OF BELLS AND WHISTLES
A Fully Fledged Weapons Delivery Platform
The typical new-aircraft teething
