I cant see a 3 division MAF being that close to shore for a landing, or for very long- artillery being a good reason. The Marines would have a area heavily bombarded, then fly in at least 10 battalions and pusing them out fast for a 10×10 kilometer beach head minimum(probably 20×20), to give enough space to bring the LHDs etc in close for as short a time as possible(LCACs also reduce the amount of time in close!) you dont need F-35Bs to cover this- the LHA/D decks will already very busy with helo ops!
The USN doesnt have the same problem as the Royal Navy at San Carlos- A racetrack 50-100 kilometers, with fighters and Aegis equipped ships providing a VERY secure air defence perimeter. dont forget at full war capacity, a US CVN could have 6 VFA/VMFA squadrons. with 4-6 CVNs,(I believe every Marine division landing should be supported by 2 CVNs), a constant presence can be maintained over the FEBA, and still have fleet air defence. so with CVNs doing this job so well, were does the F-35B fit in.
I’m not saying it wont be bought. It probably will. should it? I dont know. I dont think the marines should only buy the B for sure- they really should have Cs as well to replace there current F/A-18s(because the B wont work with the CVNs- so who fills the 400 slot?), and the Bs for the Harrier replacement. but the chances are 60-40 in favour.
I’m mean, who REALLY knows what POLITICIANS will do:rolleyes:
3 Division landing?! Can ALL out amphibs combined lift 3 divisions? Thats getting Normandy size.
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