Page 18 - F-35 and Transformation

The F-35 and The Transformation of the Power Projection Forces

But something revolutionary now exists.

In landing in the vertical mode the Marine test pilot in an F-35B, coming aboard the USS Wasp during sea trials
put the nose gear in a one square box. So the unique vertical landing/recovery feature of landing anywhere will
save the aircraft to fight another day.

It is much easier to get a fuel truck to an F-35B than build another A or C model, or land one of the numerous
“decks” on other ships, even a T-AKE ship then ditch an F-35C at sea.

This unique capability can be a war winning issue for countries like Israel, Taiwan and the U.S. Navy at sea.

http://www.sldforum.com/2012/05/strategic-deterrence-with-tactical-flexibility-the-coming-impact-of-the-f-
35b/

http://www.sldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/21st-Century-Approach-to-Tron-Warfare.pdf

Indeed, it can be easy to overlook how revolutionary a vertical lift aircraft, which can operate at
supersonic speeds actually is.

In the final interview we conducted with Col. “Turbo” Tomassetti at the time of his retirement in 2013, “Turbo”
looked back at his time with the program and his 30 years in the USMC.

Col. Tomassetti underscored as well the important role which the F-3B is bringing to the USMC expeditionary
approach.

“What does that airplane bring to the Marine on the ground?

It means that the warrior has access to information that they would not normally have.

And the F-35B is about bringing that aircraft up close in the battlespace and it can operate off of a variety of
platforms to allow for operational flexibility.”

He contrasted his experiences with the Harrier and the F-35B and highlighted the impact of the digital capabilities
and information dominance, which the F-35b will bring to the USMC.

He also emphasized that his commitment to the development of the aircraft try was founded on trying to ensure
that the plane would be easy to fly, unlike the Harrier and to do so for the safety and security of the pilot.

He reflected back on the contrast between his involvement in the prototype phase of the F-35 and what is on the
flight line currently.

“We really did not conceptualize the data fusion capability and its impact.

“We had some ideas in briefing slides and graphics, but now it is entering reality on the flight line.”

The Osprey has had an important impact on the USMC in shaping cultural change within the USMC overall.

The F-35B and its cultural impact have been prepared for within the USMC by the Osprey experience.

But still the F-35 demands a change in pilot culture.

“The legacy pilots need to jettison some of their (experiential or legacy) baggage and open their minds to what
the new aircraft brings….

Second Line of Defense

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