Originally Posted by
melmothtw
Love how a thread on the F-35 has ended up discussing the longbow!!
What, the Apache/AH-64D?
Originally Posted by
melmothtw
Lonewolf, I'd draw a distinction between Press and Bloggers.
In the year 2015, they all tend to meld into one big stew.
Not saying that makes me happy, but it seems to be the current state of play, and it requires one to be very careful about one's sources.
As Rhino pointed out, Marines declare IOC. What that means may initiate another discussion.
"I am pleased to announce that VMFA-121 has achieved initial operational capability in the F-35B, as defined by requirements outlined in the June 2014 Joint Report to Congressional Defense Committees," Dunford said in a statement. "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. It 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."
The Marines plan on buying 420 total jets, a mix of 340 B and 80 C models. The first F-35B deployment is scheduled to take place in 2017, with the unit known as VMFA-121 moving to Iwakuni, Japan.
Although the jets will be operational, they are not in their final form. More capability, including the use of the plane's gun, will come down the line with software update 3F, which will drop in 2017.
So, if they want a flying gun, call in the Vipers aka AH-1Z (Not the F-16s).
Let's hear it for the unappreciated attack helicopter guys ...