We're probably looking at an "enhanced" AAV.

I just re-read the story by National Defense Magazine and this stood out...

An analysis of alternatives has been completed comparing six capability sets ranging from an enhanced AAV to the requirements originally sought under Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, Pacheco said.

The study was completed in June and is being analyzed with a fine-toothed comb to ensure the proposal is accepted by Congress and that industry can deliver the right vehicle affordably, Amos said.

“This is not a Cadillac Escalade we’re trying to build here,” Amos said. “This is a fighting vehicle that will come from ship to shore and go inland with likely a squad of Marines. We want to make sure we’re not trying to build something with capabilities that we either don’t need or can’t afford. From my perspective, we’ve got one opportunity to do this right.”

No date has been set, but the Marine Corps will release a request for proposals to industry some time in the fall.

Capability sets ranging from an "enhanced" AAV to the original EFV capability set.

"This is NOT a Cadillac Escalade we're trying to build here..."

"...we're not trying to build something with capabilities that we either don't need or can't afford."

He might as well come out and say it.  We're looking at an Enhanced/Upgraded AAV.   BAE has already shown us the future.  Check it out below.

I can see the spin coming from HQMC about this upgrade.

The enhanced AAV-12 continues a long line of Marine Corps amphibious vehicles.  Although it superficially resembles the legacy vehicles its new in every way.  From an upgraded engine, to a superb suspension system, blast resistant armor and seats to a dramatically improved weapon system, this is not your fathers AAV.

Yeah.  That's how they're gonna play it.

Its 9/12 all over again.

I didn't post anything about the 9/11 anniversary.  Instead, I chose to read what others wrote.

I was disappointed.

What I saw was a bunch of self important snivelling.  Alot of politically correct, finger in the air "talk" about how we'll never forget.

WHAT A PILE OF BULLSHIT.

Its 9/12 all over again.  Our Ambassador in Libya, a country that we recently helped free, is dead.  What do we get from leadership?

Condemnation.

Sorrow about the fact that another American citizen died at the hands of radical Muslims.

More words.

No action.

Isn't it time to turn that God forsaken land into glass?  If not that then how about we bomb them back to their level of civilization instead of rebuilding/building their countries?

We're soft as a country and when animals sense weakness they attack.  The rabid dogs have their teeth around our necks...but instead of action we just get more talk.  Yeah.  9/12 all over again and nothings changed.

ACV and MPC are just wishful thinking.

via National Defense Magazine.

The same goes for a portion of the existing fleet of Amphibious Assault Vehicles, said Manny Pacheco, spokesman for the Marine Corps’ Advanced Amphibious Assault program office. Of the 1,000 amphibious tracked vehicles in the service’s fleet, just under 400 will be reset, he said. It will be another in a laundry list of overhauls and upgrades the 40-year-old vehicles have been through since they came into service in 1972.

“We have to find a way to bridge that capability, to make some of these vehicles last, at least until the ACV starts to come online,” Pacheco told National Defense.

The tracked ship-to-shore fighting vehicles will have to pull their weight at least until 2030, when the ACV is scheduled to enter the fleet. Automotive upgrades should be in development and testing until 2014, with reset AAVs returning to active duty between 2015 and 2017, Pacheco said.

Resetting the AAVs will involve upgrading their armor, installation of blast-mitigating seats and adding beefed-up suspension systems.

AAVs that do not undergo reset and overhaul will eventually be replaced by Amphibious Combat Vehicles, the now-defunct  Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program under a different name. When that program was voluntarily shuttered in January 2011, Marine Corps engineers went immediately to work “redefining and refining” the service’s requirements, Pacheco said.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

The JLTV doesn't make sense for the Marine Corps and they haven't given a compelling reason for why its better than simply upgrading/retrofitting existing Humvees.

But that isn't the real kicker.  Read the whole article but I recommend you have a bottle of your favorite adult beverage within arms reach when you do.  Either that or go see the local drug dealer and have him sell you something powerful.  Cause you'd have to be drunk or smoking crack to believe what they're trying to sell.

The current AAV will have to soldier on till 2030.

That means that the basic design of the Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle will be almost 70 years old before it BEGINS to be replaced.

Over the course of (lets be generous) 5 years, the production run of the ACV will be completed and we can begin buying Marine Personnel Carriers.  That means that the MPC will come online in 2035.

We're all being fed bullshit and we don't have defense reporters that are smart enough to realize exactly how crazy that timeline is.

You're talking about a longer development cycle for the ACV than you had for the EFV!

Let me give you the real news here.  The MPC is just a dream.  It won't make it to service. A 2030 timeframe for it to enter production?  Planning that far out never comes to fruition.  We don't even need to talk about that vehicle anymore.  ACV?  Ditto.  They can run numbers and do all the busy work but real is real.  If you're talking about it hitting the fleet in 2030 then you might as well believe in the tooth fairy.

We really only have two legit vehicle programs.  JLTV and the AAV upgrade.  Remember.  You heard it here first.

Know your enemy and a website you have to see.

China.

They're becoming the big bully on the block and they know it.  How are they responding?  They're getting their public relations act together.  I didn't even realize it existed but the Peoples Republic of China, Ministry of National Defense has an english website.  Its a must see and you can check it out here.

Osprey Stack

Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), fly over the Arabian Sea Sept. 6, 2012. VMM-161 was transferring their aircraft to VMM-261, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, U.S.S. Iwo Jima.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Keonaona C. Paulo)

31st MEU executes complex raid during integration training

Ark Royal as the SOCOM flagship/mothership.

The Ark Royal as a SOCOM flagship/mothership has alot to offer.

First its communications suite is NATO compatible so modifications to it for US specific gear should be relatively straightforward.  Its been cleared for operations for CH-53, CH-47, AH-64, CV/MV-22 and other NATO helicopter ops.

It has berthing spaces to allow enough space for a Ranger or MARSOC company to be carried with ease and it has a variety of weapons on board that will allow the ship to defend itself against small boat attacks in congested water.

Last but not least, the Brits are about to scrap it for peanuts and SOCOM could make better use of this ship than the USS Ponce.

Its really a no brainer.

SOCOM needs the Ark Royal.

Japan is getting ready for a fight.

Maneuver Combat Vehicle.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle.

F-35.

via Janes.

The budget request for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) announced by the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 7 September is the lowest in 22 years but also includes new capabilities such as amphibious assault vehicles, new communications suites and two more Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The request, which will be sent to the Finance Ministry for consideration ahead of a decision later in the year, prioritises the protection of Japan's remote island chains and maritime surveillance: considerations that have grown in importance during a series of territorial disagreements with China and South Korea.
"The country's fiscal situation is under pressure due to the increase of outstanding government bonds and rising social security costs," Koji Yoshino, the principal deputy director at the MoD's planning and programming division, said on 6 September. "We would like to secure the funds we need while also trying to reduce spending in an effective and efficient manner."
The most notable request was for four amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) – with the US Marine Corps' AAV-7 series mentioned as a potential platform – for which the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) requested JPY2.5 billion (USD31.8 million).

Most notable to me is the fact that Japan has a choice of amphibious vehicles and has chosen not to go the wheeled route when it comes to amphibious assault vehicles.

I also note that Brazil also has experience in using wheeled amphibious assault vehicles and has chosen to purchase more AAVs.

Besides the AAV, and F-35 purchases the Japanese are developing three other armored vehicles.  A Light Combat Vehicle which is in essence a wheeled artillery platform.  A Maneuver Combat Vehicle armed with a 105mm gun in a manned turret and a new Tank.

Japan is gearing up for a fight.

Ark Royal for SOCOM!

My buddy KBreak suggested that the USMC talk about acquiring the Ark Royal.

I say no.

It just wouldn't be a good fit.  But SOCOM could use it and use it well.  Plus we could get it for a song!  What do you say Admiral McRaven?

I would suggest they crew it with civilians and a small USN crew for communications and weapons handling...but it should be doable.

Romney wants more F-22's? Not in this lifetime.

via F-16.net

"Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Saturday he would buy more F-22 Raptors as part of his plan to reverse many of the defense cuts planned by the Obama administration...

'Rather than completing nine ships per year, I’d move that up to 15. I’d also add F-22s to our Air Force fleet. And I’d add about 100,000 active duty personnel to our military team,' Romney said in the interview. “I think the idea of shrinking our military to try and get closer to balancing our budget is the wrong place to look...

Air Force leaders pushed to build more F-22s to add to the fleet because they warned a fleet of 187 would be insufficient to defeat an enemy with a top line air force like China. Former Air Force Chief of Staffs Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Michael “Buzz” Moseley argued the costs of re-opening the production line would be too costly to build up the fleet if Congress changed its mind and wanted more F-22s..."

Nuno Gomes brought this to my attention.

Quite honestly this just ain't gonna happen.  His own party won't allow it.  Many people have listed the Tea Party as a bunch of right wing extremist.  What the Tea Party started out as was a group of people that were concerned about the fiscal mess of this nation.

They didn't give a rats ass about social issues.

All they were concerned about was the rising budget deficit.

The Republican Party has coerced that movement and turned it back toward the petty issues that really don't belong in the government sphere....why they did that I don't know but they did.  If Romney is elected he'll be facing the same budget drama that Obama will.

And regardless of who wins they'll face a House that is filled with pure Tea Party Representatives that won't want to bust the budget.

The next reason why Romney is blowing smoke on this issue is that the US has been at war for 10 years.

Again.  Regardless of who wins, the American people are going to demand their peace dividend.  The Pentagon's budget will get cut.

Its gonna happen and ain't shit anyone can do about it.

Off topic but that's why I'm so pissed by Marine Corps leadership.  I seriously doubt that we'll see needed Marine armor purchased.  Between poor planning that allowed our weapons systems to go obsolete at the same time to the air wing gobbling up all available funds to stupid purchases like $50 dollar rifle slings the Marine Corps is screwed.  We'll get the F-35...so will the Air Force but that's because we have the protection of allies.

The F-22 won't go back into production.  The only thing that will keep the F-35 line going in future years is if our allies stay committed.  Only recently have I seen how clever Sweetman and company's campaign was in going after our allies when it came to the F-35.  They're the glue that's keeping this program running.

And even if the F-35 dies all we'll see is increased upgrades to existing airplanes.  And still no F-22 back in production.

Catastrophic failure.

Very rarely do you get a chance to see it but when it does happen its a sight to behold.

A catastrophic failure.

Of the journalistic kind...especially in a focused magazine.

Awesome.  But what this points to is the fact that "Gun Guys" aren't running many of the shops that are catering to those in the gun community. If you don't know what I'm talking about then Google Recoil Magazine and you'll get more hits on this minor controversy then you probably care for.

But this leads to a bigger issue.  Guns are cool for people that have never handled or trained with them now.  Sharks are out to make a profit so silly ideas are being put forward.  Stupid gear is being offered and those that do know better are going along with it instead of yelling bullshit at the top of their lungs.

Even Marine Corps procurement officials have gotten caught up in the nonsense.  Yeah, I'm saying it for the hundredth time but a $50 rifle sling?

BULLSHIT!  But that's what your Marine Corps and mine got talked into buying.

Amazing.

Photo Release: F-35C aircraft in formation

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – F-35 test pilots Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks and Peter Kosogorin of BAE fly CF-1 and CF-2 during a formation flying qualities test Sept. 5 in the Atlantic Test Ranges. Testing formation flying qualities provides data on handling characteristics. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet.

Finally real talk about our current foreign policy debate.

An honest critique about the current debate in this country regarding our ongoing wars. Refreshig and depressing at the same time.

31stMEU-Harriers conduct night landings while at sea

HMS Ark Royal to be sold for scrap.

via the Telegraph.

HMS Ark Royal, once the bullish symbol of Britain’s defence diplomacy, will follow the ignominious fate of her sister ship HMS Invincible by ending life as a razor blades.

There had been strong indications that she would sold to a British diving company and sunk off the Devon coast to become a major scuba diving attraction.

An estimated bid of £6.5 million was submitted to purchase the ship that as a diving reef could have contributed up to £30 million to the local economy

Wow.

Just fucking wow.

Read the entire article but the other options were for the ship to be turned into a casino in China, a museum, a London heliport or a NIGHT CLUB!

31stMEU Harriers join 31st MEU at sea

Think Defence on the containerized missile threat.

"Our systems are programmed to recognise the distinctive shapes and signatures.

Put them inside the ubiqutous ISO container however, and things get complicated.

In a crowded, complex, congested and contested area of operations how would we first identify one of these?"

--Think Defence on the threat posed by containerized missiles.

Read his whole post here.  Note.  He was onto this threat before I was.

XC-142A Operational Suitability Testing (1965)

Too good to keep to myself.  Quite honestly I've been trying to figure out how to download this vid of the XC-142A undergoing Operational Suitability Testing.  I still can't get it and I've tried Download Helper, a couple of script keys and other add-ons.  The Texas Archive of Moving Image and Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation are my new heroes.  Check it out here.

 

Photos are from the San Diego Air and Space Museum FLICKR page.

Newsreel. Vietnam heats up & XC-142A

Could the EC725 Caracal's Weapon System work on the MV-22?

Make note of how they've attached the weapon systems to the fueslage.  With them being that close in and with chutes to direct spent brass away from the rotors underneath the airplane this might work.  Add to it a smaller rocket launcher and the addition of guided rockets and you have a real assault craft.

Maybe.  Maybe it could work.