F-35A Night Refueling

Another Fact About The F-35 You Won't Hear On Aviation Week (or there followers)....

via Navy News Service.

EGLIN AFB, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy personnel are busy preparing to teach the next generation of Sailors how to work with and fly the newest military aircraft, the F-35C Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter, as Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101) readies for its stand-up ceremony on Eglin Air Force Base May 1.

The F-35 is a single seat, multi-role fighter aircraft with the capability to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. The aircraft is in full production at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas. The F-35 is designed to eventually replace the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier tactical fighter aircraft and was planned with a common design, but three unique service variants, to keep development, production, and operating costs down.

"This is brand new aircraft platform from tooth to tail," said Cmdr. Scott Kartvedt, commanding officer of VFA-101. "We're not parlaying off any Navy stealth legacy programs or support systems. This will be the first new stealth and carrier-based tactical fighter aircraft since the introduction of the F/A-18 29 years ago."

The original Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101), nicknamed the "Grim Reapers," was established May 1, 1952 and flew various models of fighter aircraft including the F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat. With the retirement of the F-14, VF-101 was disestablished in 2005.

To support the new Navy version of the F-35, VFA-101 will be reestablished May 1 at a new hangar and training facility on Eglin AFB and will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), training pilots and maintainers for the fleet.

The first Sailors to help stand up VFA-101 will receive 'Plank Owner' certificates for their assistance with the new aircraft, new training facilities and redesignated squadron. As per Navy tradition, plank owners are individuals who were members of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission.

"I'm learning a lot and really enjoy working with other services," said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Mirtha Martinez, Material Control Department leading chief petty officer for the squadron. "I'd love to come back in five years and see the squadron fully functioning."

Marine Col. Arthur Tomassetti, vice commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, said establishing a squadron to train and work with the F-35 aircraft has not been easy, but the leadership has taken charge and is working towards building the best facilities possible to work with this new aircraft.

"The concept was simple; establish an initial training center for pilots and maintainers for the F-35 weapon system," said Tomassetti. "Bringing that concept to reality has been and will continue to be complicated and challenging. So the first step is you start with the best people you can find, put them together, and say 'go.' Over the past two-and-one-half years, those carefully selected people have put together a strategy, developed plans, adapted to the dynamic and ever changing environment and schedule, and continued to track towards the goal of establishing a training center for F-35 pilots and maintainers."

The mechanics of the Navy F-35 will initially be taught by Lockheed Martin personnel to Navy instructors, who will then begin teaching students after completing instructor certification. Students are expected to arrive for maintenance instruction in 2015, with the first F-35s scheduled for deployment 2017-2018.

The Navy's version of the F-35, the 'C' model is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B versions with larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.

Sailors in the majority of aviation rates are eligible to attend the F-35 course of instruction, including aviation ordnancemen, aviation structural mechanics, aviation machinist's mates, aviation electronics technicians, aviation electrician's mates, aviation structural mechanics and aircrew survival equipmentmen.

VFA-101 is a part of the 33rd Fighter Wing, a joint-service graduate flying and maintenance training wing responsible for F-35 A/B/C pilot and maintenance training for the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Air Force. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service's aircraft variant will be based at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-35 Academic Training Center serves as the schoolhouse, where wing personnel expect to train more than 2,000 maintenance students and 100 pilots each year.

So the gang is all there.

All three services have units in place to begin training.

On this one subject the Commandant being an Aviator probably helps.  On this he'll push like a madman to get this started...the AAV and MPC programs might lag but the training will start up before the end of this year.

Oh and check other spots to see if this is reported.

It won't be.

They'll report dubious information....like a 50 year estimated life cycle cost of the F-35...but they won't report this certified fact.

Amazing.

The Sea Wolves. Time again.

The US Navy has designated helicopter squadrons to support Special Operations Command.

Awesome.  Good for them.

But its time the Navy took care of its core missions first.

Like adequate defense and attack in the littoral regions and further inland.

Fast attack aircraft are awesome weapons of war but after deploying the Riverine Units its time to give those units the support they need. 

The Navy needs to bring back the Sea Wolves. 

How this fabulous capability was allowed to die is beyond me but if the Navy were to procure a sufficient number of AH-1Z's...put them in Navy markings with Navy pilots and attach them to Riverine Units during wartime...and carriers during the time in between then you'd have a tremendous capability.  My concept of employment might be off but the war record is undeniable...check out the website here.

Combat Logistics Regiment 25 gets gruntified!

All photos by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado

Lance Cpl. Joseph Snyder, a motor transport mechanic with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, patrols through a forest during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Lance Cpl. Joseph Snyder, a motor transport mechanic with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, watches a road as fellow squad members cross it during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, patrols through a forest during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Lance Cpl. Joseph Snyder, a motor transport mechanic with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, posts security during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, watch a road as fellow squad members cross it during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, wait in a tree line during a field exercise at Gun Position One aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. April 3, 2012. The Marines patiently waited for an unknown vehicle to pass their position. The purpose of the field exercise was to get the regiment's Marines and sailors out of their comfort zone and in the field to refresh and enhance basic battle skills they don't get a chance to practice on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Visby Class Stealth Corvette.

One sixth the weight, but with three times the firepower and less than one half the price.  If I was in the surface Navy I'd be sick to my stomach.  The LCS is going to be outclassed by all opponents and allies.

The LCS.  The Navy's version of the Stryker...better in theory than reality.

Hasty Rappel at the Jungle School...

All photos by Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.

Marines with Combat Logistic Regiment 37 performs a hasty rappel down a hill at JWTC on Camp Gonsalves April 2. Rappelling skills prepare Marines to overcome potential obstacles during deployments. The CLR-37 Marines are assigned to 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Blake M. Cameron, top, a JWTC instructor, teaches Marines with CLR-37 proper navigation of a hill using the hasty rappel technique at JWTC April 2. Along with rappeling, the Marines also learned proper knot-tying techniques. JWTC instructors are part of 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

Marines with CLR-37 rappel down a 70-foot cliff at JWTC April 2. The Marines performed three controlled safety stops as part of their training.

Whats up with this Chick????

This was suppose to be a story about the MD 540 helicopter.

To be honest, I consider it unremarkable and not really a contender in the US Army's Scout Helicopter program.  It might get the attention of SOCOM...but it won't, in my opinion again, gain much widespread usage.

But what had me scratching my head, banging my fists against walls was the CEO of MD Helicopters.

WTF! on steroids.

This chick is out there.  But I guess she has her fans....

Check out these articles to get the full flavor of this lady.  Here.  Here.

15th MEU TRAP Training.

All photos by Cpl. John Robbart, III

Staff Sgt. Brian Sears, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit relays a status update to his platoon commander during a simulated tactical recovery of personnel scenario. This particular scenario was created by the Command Element to develop the skills of the TRAP unit. The task at hand was to recover two United States Agency for International Development workers after a medical aid mission went wrong.

A LAV-25 prepares to transport Marines, sailors with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the role players they recovered as a part of a tactical recovery of personnel as a part of MEU Exercise, April 4. Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise is the first training that integrates all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions are rehearsed using several training scenarios. This particular scenario was created by the Command Element to develop the skills of each of the role players. The task at hand was to recover two United States Agency for International Development workers after a medical aid mission went wrong.

A UH-1Y with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 flies over the area in search of two role players acting as United States Agency for International Development workers as a part of a tactical recovery of personnel during MEU Exercise, April 4. Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise is the first training that integrates all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions are rehearsed using several training scenarios. This particular scenario was created by the Command Element to develop the skills of each of the role players. The task at hand was to recover two United States Agency for International Development workers after a medical aid mission went wrong.

Marines with the security element for the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a tactical recovery of personnel as a part of MEU Exercise, April 4. Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise is the first training that integrates all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions are rehearsed using several training scenarios. This particular scenario was created by the Command Element to develop the skills of the TRAP team. The task at hand was to recover two United States Agency for International Development workers after a medical aid mission went wrong.

Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit the area after rescuing role players during a tactical recovery of personnel as a part of MEU Exercise, April 4. Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise is the first training that integrates all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions are rehearsed using several training scenarios. This particular scenario was created by the Command Element to develop the skills of the TRAP unit. The task at hand was to recover two United States Agency for International Development workers after a medical aid mission went wrong.

First RNLAF F-35 Rolls Out

The first F-35 for the Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on 1 April 2012. The aircraft will be assigned to Eglin AFB, Florida, later this summer. The Netherlands will use the conventional takeoff and landing jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers. AN-1 will undergo function fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests in the coming weeks.

The 5 Most Badass Tales of Wartime Survival

I am loving Cracked.com.  You have got to go to the site to read the rest of these but this first one had my head spinning!....

#5. Colter's Run

 In 1808, a trapper named John Colter and another trapper named John Potts (the two would go on to inspire the name of the '80s hospital drama Trapper John, M.D., according to a lie we just told) set out in canoes on a trapping expedition near what is now Three Forks, Montana. Suddenly, they were surrounded by 800 Blackfeet Indian warriors on the shore. Colter decided that 2 vs. 800 were hopeless odds and surrendered, but Potts disagreed and started shooting at the Blackfeet. It was an inspiring moment for underdogs everywhere; Potts was basically Rudy.

Except the Blackfeet quickly killed him, ripped out his guts and threw them in Colter's face. In that way he was less like Rudy, and more like nightmares.

Rather than killing Colter outright, the Blackfeet decided to make the kind of miscalculation that you would think only happens in movies. They asked Colter how fast he could run, to which he replied "Oh, like, totally slower than Native Americans" (we're paraphrasing a bit). With that knowledge, they stripped him naked, spotted him a 100-yard head start and told him to run. They were literally turning his impending death into a race, with the prize being Colter's scalp.
One problem, though ... Colter lied. He was actually a very fast runner. After two and half miles, he had left all the Blackfeet behind except for one. He then stopped and waited for that man to catch up. When the Native American lunged at him with his spear, he grabbed the spear point with his bare hands, broke it off and impaled the man with it. But the Hollywood movie style exploits were just getting started.

After hiding out in a beaver lodge for a few hours, Colter swam five miles downriver, only to find that his would-be killers were still looking for him, likely shocked that someone would be so crass as to lie about how fast he could run when faced with an unspeakably painful death. The only way out of the valley he was in was through a narrow pass that was probably being guarded. So he decided to do the last thing they would expect and climbed over a mountain (still naked, we have to assume). After scaling sheer cliffs by hand, he spent the night on top of the mountain in the snow before coming down the other side the next day.
After that, there was nothing left to do but walk. And walk and walk and walk and walk. After 11 days, he finally reached Fort Raymond. He was half-starved, his feet were torn and bloody and his limbs were swollen. All told, he had run, walked, climbed and swam 250 miles. After watching his good friend get murdered.

Make sure you read the other tales of Bad Ass Survival...

US Marines have landed in Australia...

via the Australia Ministry of Defense.

The first company-sized rotation of approximately 200 United States Marines Corps personnel have been officially welcomed to Darwin, with a ceremony at Robertson Barracks.
This initial Marine Corps rotation arrived in Darwin on 3 April, as part of the enhanced Australia‑US defence cooperation announced in November last year by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and United States President Barack Obama.
US Marine Corps personnel will deploy to northern Australia on a rotational basis for around six months per year.
In the future, up to 2500 Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) personnel will rotate into Australia during the northern dry season. 
A full MAGTF includes a Command Element, Ground Element, Aviation Element and Logistics Element.  Major equipment to support the elements of the MAGTF includes wheeled vehicles, artillery pieces, light armoured vehicles and aircraft, in addition to personnel. 
Heavy equipment, vehicles and aircraft are not included in the first rotation.
During the six-month deployment, the US Marine Corps will spend two or three months in Australia, mainly in Australian Defence Force training areas and ranges.  The remaining time will be spent engaging with partners in the region.
The US Marine Corps will use existing Defence facilities in northern Australia for accommodation and training. Defence will provide a range of support to this initial rotation and costs for this rotation will be shared under existing legal, financial and logistical arrangements.

Geez.

I'm happy to see the USMC finally getting set up in Australia.

Aussie Women!  YES!

But it strikes me that operational tempo Marine Corps wide seems to be increasing rather dramatically.  Afghanistan, MEU's, Africa, Japan, Australia and detachments operating everywhere in between ???

Yeah.  The war is suppose to be winding down in Afghanistan but the Marine Corps is busier than ever.  If the Ops Tempo keeps up at this pace then there is no way they'll be able to down size the Corps.

No way at all.

UPDATE & SPECIAL MESSAGE TO ALL GETTING ORDERS TO AUSTRALIA:  Be warned.  Everything living was designed to kill ya---makes a night at the NTA feel like a picnic..and that's during rainy season.  Check this out...via Cracked.com

Things in Australia that Will Kill You

Everything. No, seriously: Everything.

First there's the wildlife: If something appears to be cute and harmless in Australia, then we promise you - it has only evolved that way to lure you close enough for the thousands of ravenous, prehensile blade-tongues to descended upon you.

Then there's the Geography: Consisting mostly of arid, dry desert, (populated by over 100 venomous species of snake...READ THIS PART AGAIN~!  100 SPECIES OF VENOMOUS SNAKES!  THAT'S FUCKED UP BEYOND WORDS!) the harsh local climate is peppered with small, livable areas presumably just to lull human beings into a false sense of security.

Ah, but the tropical beaches, you say! Surely the paradise on Earth that is the Australian beach makes up for an entire continent of biological weapons. And it's true: Australia is known for having some of the best beaches in the world...all you have to worry about are the Saltwater Crocs, Great White Sharks, poisonous Stonefish, or being stung by the Box Jellyfish: The deadliest and most painful sting of any Jellyfish species in the world.

Your best bet is just to stay in the city then, right? Enjoy the local culture; go visit the capital of Canberra, or visit beautiful Sydney and see the wonder of the Opera house. And that's totally safe: Just remember to wear protective clothing, stay in well travelled areas, always know the nearest path to a hospital, and just generally try not to exist - because Australia is also home to over 280 species of poisonous spider (THAT'S RIGHT YOU LUCKY/POOR FUCKED BASTARD...100 SPECIES OF SNAKES AND 280 DIFFERENT POISONOUS CRAWLING IN YOUR SLEEPING BAG WHILE YOU'RE JACKING OFF SPIDERS---FACE IT....YOU LANDED IN PARADISE JUST TO GET FUCKED UP!), including that aforementioned Sydney Funnel Web Spider. What, did you think it was just a name? No, it lives in cities, in garages, in tool sheds and houses - it even swims. IT FUCKING SWIMS.

Seriously: Everything in Australia evolved solely to kill everything else in Australia - and you show up with your soft, unarmored skin, tiny, rounded teeth, and ridiculously non-poisonous spit and expect a vacation?

You just walked into Mother Nature's Thunderdome, friend. And in this analogy, you're not Max; you're the dead retard.  YEP.  SAY IT OUT LOUD.  YOU MADE IT THROUGH A WAR ZONE JUST TO GET BENEFITS PAID TO YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE YOU GOT DEPLOYED TO READY TO FUCK YOU UP THE MINUTE YOU SLIP RAT FUCKED AUSTRALIA!

Things in Australia that Will Not Kill You

....

Hugh Jackman seems nice. 

All the above is said tongue in cheek (except the fact that the animals/wildlife will snack on your ass if you're stupid).

1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

Lance Cpl. John Clark, (left), and Cpl. Phillip Rial, both support Marines with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) mix concrete and water to make a mold for a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, a welder, and Rial, a bulk fuel specialist, have completed multiple tasks on the compound to help support EOD Company's mission while deployed.

Lance Cpl. John Clark, a welder and support Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) puts concrete into a mold while constructing a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, along with 15 other Marines and sailors, support EOD Co. by performing multiple tasks - some of which fall outside of their traditional military occupational specialty.

Sgt. Cliff Lucker, (left), an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) instructs Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines on counter improvised explosive device tactics on the EOD Co. compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Lucker and other EOD technicians have the ability to train and teach Marines utilizing the IED lanes the support personnel of EOD Co. built throughout their deployment.

43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines...

I don't quite know how to label this post.  I'd love to say 43 Commando was back but in a sense they never went away.  This is what the Royal Navy had to say....

One of the most famous names in Royal Marines history has returned with the re-formation of 43 Commando at Faslane.
The new unit – officially 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – is the largest in the Corps and is responsible for protecting the nation’s nuclear deterrent as well as taking the fight to modern-day pirates in specialist boarding teams.
 From today Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – who safeguard Britain’s nuclear deterrent and are the Navy’s experts in board and search/counter-piracy operations – are 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, resurrecting the title of a legendary wartime formation.

So I guess in US Marine Corps language these guys would be a mix of FAST Company and Maritime Raid Force along with VBSS Teams.

Pretty impressive skill sets...I wonder how they have it broken down with in the Unit.  Do they have different "Squadrons" or Platoons assigned to each mission or is everyone cross trained?

Doesn't matter.  I'm just glad to see the Royal Marines beefing up a bit.  Good Stuff.

Blast from the past...Special Warfare Armored Transport.

The vehicle above is called the Special Warfare Armored Transport.  The image and information on it can be found at War Wheels Website...

Amazing isn't it.

In 1966 the US Army developed a set of requirements that pretty much spelled out the Stryker and Marine Personnel programs.

Except for probably not being IED resistant, I bet you could dust off the specs and maybe win a contest or two even today.

Sidenote:

Cut the modelers some slack.  In most cases they're doing a better job of perserving our armored and avaition history than most of the corporations and the various governments world wide.  Even if you're not a hobbyist I highly recommend you frequent a few of the sites.  You'd be surprised at the wealth of info you can find.

Now you want to defend the program?

via Military.com

The Defense Department’s F-35 Lightning II fighter program is “achieving stability” after its latest record-breaking cost estimate was unveiled last week, a top Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday, and he reaffirmed DoD’s commitment to the huge international effort.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little acknowledged to reporters “there had been issues in the past with respect to development and testing, and with respect to cost,” but that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had made getting them under control a top priority.
“We do believe we’re achieving stability over time with respect to development and testing and with respect to cost,” Little said. He alluded to the next batch of F-35s that DoD expects to order from prime contractor Lockheed Martin, a deal that would require Lockheed to cover more of the costs for develop the fighters even as they’re also in production.

Read the whole thing....but....

Its pretty fucking pathetic.

Only now do the clowns at the Pentagon realize that this program is under assault and needs to be defended.  Want proof?  Read the latest from Sweetman over at Aviation Week.  I'd quote it here but to be honest it makes me sick.

The sad thing is that this all could have been avoided.

But they didn't take the misinformation campaign seriously.  They didn't realize that an old hack (who was once a hero, now turned pure politician) named McCain would latch onto the critics of the program to burnish his maverick theme.

They just didn't think.  But that's ok.  The line is running out on the Defense/Aviation writers that think they can make a name on bashing the F-35.

The way I figure it...One wrong move and they'll end up the ass lickers....

How long before SOCOM gets this shiny new toy for the SEALs?

I'd bet money that a procurement officer is on his way to make an urgent operational request for a couple of these boats for SEAL use.

The 30mm cannon is unique though.  I don't think I've seen one of these "pursuit"/"insertion" boats with one before.

F-16 Living Legacy

A quick thought on the Scout Helicopter Program.

 Just a quick thought on the US Army's Scout Helicopter Competition.

EADS and Sikorsky have practically driven Boeing and Bell out of contention.

Why do I say that?

Because both helicopters offer something that neither OH-58II or the AH-6 can offer.

Utility.

The Sikorsky offers technological innovation and drastic improvements in speed and performance.

The EADS offering gives you a proven, affordable platform that you already have a supply chain established for and the potential for a low price.

The ball is in the Army's court but it would appear from this outsiders view that they can whittle this comp down to two helos before the contest even begins.

EFV to live?

A little birdy has informed me that the US Marine Corps has been offered a simplified version of the EFV by General Dynamics.

It will have a simplified suspension and utilize water jets in place of the complex drive used to propel it through the water.

The best bits are to be retained...meaning everything else but that water drive system.  Estimated costs are yet to be determined but this is supposedly the reason for a couple of happenings...first the program offices of three different programs being combined and second the seeming feet dragging that we're seeing with the AAV upgrade and the ACV programs.

Interesting.

You can bet that a note is going to be fired off to the program office this morning to try and get some confirmation on any of this stuff!

But I told ya...when I hear it, you will too!

NOTE:
I posted this story then quickly took it down last night.  The reason.  I thought it would be better to give the Program Office a chance to respond.  They didn't so now its up.  Also note that I'm also reaching out to General Dynamics to see if they're willing to verify this story.  Every manufacturer is keeping their cards close to the vest.  I understand it, but it still annoys.  Whats even more annoying is when the government starts playing those reindeer games.

S-97 Raider Brochure.

RAIDER Brochure