US Marine Corps (USMC)

Citation :

F/A-18D from MCAS Beaufort crashed in Georgia


A USMC F/A-18D assigned to MCAS Beaufort has crashed near Statenville, Georgia on Feb. 22. Both pilots ejected safely and are being treated at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta.

https://kf4lmt.wordpress.com

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Marine killed in crash at MCAS Yuma





Update, 4:10 p.m. -- A crash at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma resulted in the death of one Marine around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, according to an MCAS Yuma press release.

A civilian aircraft, a T-59 Hawk, crashed on an MCAS Yuma runway, impacting a government vehicle, resulting in the fatality. The victim was pronounced dead upon arrival at Yuma Regional Medical Center. The pilot and passenger of the aircraft were examined and released by MCAS Yuma emergency services personnel.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Marine we lost in this tragic accident," stated MCAS Yuma Commanding Officer Colonel Ricardo Martinez. "We at MCAS Yuma stand ready to provide support to his family."

The T-59 Hawk was owned by a private company and housed at the Yuma International Airport, which shares the runways with MCAS Yuma.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Yuma International Airport Director Gladys Wiggins said, “Our team immediately notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration after the incident. Both agencies are currently en-route to perform a formal investigation into the accident. The T-59 Hawk, a single-engine tactical jet, provides close air support training for military members gaining a Joint Terminal Attack Control qualification here. This training enables military members from multiple services to manage air space as certified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.”

Wiggins noted, “Airports throughout the nation routinely perform emergency training to prepare for various types of emergencies. This past week our airport staff along with MCAS Yuma and our community’s emergency responders completed a table top exercise reviewing emergency response, and we appreciate the level of professionalism and care that was given by all.”

“MCAS Yuma is a critical part of our community. The loss of the Marine at MCAS is also a significant loss for our community. We are here to support and grieve with the families of those who experienced this loss," said Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls. “This has been a sad day for our nation’s armed forces, with our local loss and the seven Marines and four Army air crew presumed dead in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in Florida. The loss of those who have given their lives for our country, whether in combat or preparation for combat, is a loss for the entire nation.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Wiggins, who said, “Today has been a very sad day for aviation, both in Yuma, and in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families and friends of the military members who were lost today. Each served unselfishly while conducting their jobs and missions in aviation.”

MCAS Yuma said they would not release the name of the victim until 24 hours after the next of kin is notified.

Yuma Sun Staff Writer Kevin G. Andrade can be contacted at 928-539-6853 or kandrade@yumasun.com.

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Israel's Elbit to supply US Marines with laser system




Israeli defense company Elbit Systems announced Sunday that it has been awarded with a $73.4 million contract from the US Marine Corps to supply a laser system that enables soldiers in concealed positions to carry out imaging, range finding and navigation in combat arenas.

The contract, valid until 2020, was awarded to Elbit Systems of America – a subsidiary of Elbit Systems – to supply the Common Laser Range Finder-Integrated Capability system to the marines.

“To date, Elbit Systems of America has received an initial order in the amount of $7.5 million” under the contract, the company said. Ra’anan Horowitz, president and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, said the laser system is lightweight and mission-ready for the foot-mobile marine.

“Leveraging the innovative capabilities of our imaging, range finding, and degraded environment navigation solutions, marines are now able to acquire targets without breaking cover from their concealed fighting positions and minimize impact while on the move,” Horowitz added.

Elbit also produces the helmet- mounted display for Lockheed Martin’s fifth generation F-35 fighter jet.

Last year, the company said it would begin installing its J-Music anti-missile laser protection system on German Air Force transport planes.

Elbit last year also won a contract to supply the Canadian Armed Forces with a mobile satellite communications system that can be installed on a range of military platforms.

http://www.jpost.com

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F-35 jump jet gears up for crucial at-sea tests



The blue-green team is gearing up for operational tests that could build momentum for the embattled F-35B Lightning II — or add more fuel to the fire of outspoken critics.

The first shipboard operational test period for the Marine Corps' short take off and vertical landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter is scheduled to take place May 18-30 aboard the amphibious assault ship Wasp. Six of the jets will participate, four out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, and two from MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina.

Evaluators will assess the stealth jet's integration and operation within the full spectrum of flight and maintenance operations, as well as supply chain support while embarked at sea, said Maj. Paul Greenberg, Marine Corps spokesman. Lessons learned will "lay the groundwork" for future deployments, he said. The aims of the at-sea tests include:

Assess day and night take-offs and landings, weapons loads, and extended range operations.
Assess aircraft-to-ship network communications.
Evaluate the landing signal officer's launch and recovery software.
Test the crew's ability to conduct scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
Determine the suitability of maintenance support equipment for shipboard operations.
Assess the logistics footprint of a deployed, six-plane F-35B detachment.

The F-35B remains the centerpiece of Marine fixed-wing modernization because "it supports our doctrinal form of maneuver warfare and our operational need for close air support in austere conditions and locations potentially inaccessible for traditional fighters," Greenberg told Navy Times on March 17."The Lightning II will provide effective close-air support to our Marines and sailors when they need it the most."

Twenty-one alterations were required to equip the Wasp for regular operation of the F-35B aircraft, according to Matt Leonard, spokesman for Naval Sea Systems Command. Each alteration will be made on all L-class ships during planned availabilities and in line on newly constructed ships in advance of the F-35B's arrival.

Among the biggest challenges has been the downward force and heat of the F-35B's engines as it lands, which has burned the nonskid deck. A new highly tolerant, temperature resistant thermal spray coating was applied and has been successfully evaluated aboard Wasp during F-35B, V-22, AV-8B and other helicopter flight operations, Leonard said.

The Wasp also underwent seven "cornerstone" alterations that provide necessary electrical servicing upgrades, expand weapons handling and storage, provide for the F-35B Autonomic Logistics Information System, secure access facilities, and relocate the flight deck tramline for flight safety.

http://www.navytimes.com

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Sikorsky va redessiner la BTP du CH-53K


Publié le 16/04/2015 à 16h14, par Antony Angrand


Les CH-53E de l'US Marine Corps tardent à être remplacés par la nouvelle version K, qui elle de son côté connaît un problème d'importance au
niveau de la BTP. © U.S.Marines


Une défaillance dans la BTP (boîte de transmission primaire) du Sikorsky CH-53K destiné aux Marines, en cours de développement, a accéléré la nécessité de refonte de cet élément tandis que l'USMC pousse au remplacement de ses vieux et fragiles CH-53E, qui nécessitent une maintenance de plus en plus coûteuse et complexe.

Ce défaut avait déjà retardé le premier vol du nouveau modèle K de plusieurs mois. Les pièces incriminées sont en cours de reconception, la solution devrait être implémentée au mois de juillet. En attendant, le CH-53K ne reprendra pas les vols tant que la boîte de transmission primaire sera fiabilisée. Les contraintes budgétaires actuelles ne permettront pas d'accélérer le développement et le lancement en production de cet appareil.

Le défaut a été attribué à un problème lié à certains arbres au sein de la BTP. Les Marines de leur côté travaillent dur pour maintenir en vol leur flotte de CH-53E. Les appareils sont exposés à des problèmes de câblage et d'hydraulique répétitifs. En Janvier 2014, un accident d'une des machines de l'escadron HM-14 avait obligé la marine militaire américaine à restreindre temporairement de vol les CH-53E.


http://www.air-cosmos.com/2015/04/16/32303-sikorsky-va-redessiner-la-btp-du-ch-53k

Citation :

Marine Corps Tough! U.S. Marines Live-fire Training  

Ajoutée le 19 avr. 2015

U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct live-fire training at Fort Pickett, Va.. The live-fire training is conducted to improve the Marines skills and tactics in urban environments. The 26th MEU is conducting realistic urban training in preparation for deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Zachary W. Montgomery/Released) 04.13.2015

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Exercise Balikatan 2015...photos by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg  

PHOTOS:

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L'USMC nomme un général deux-étoiles pour diriger ses opérations en Afrique




En juillet, un général deux étoiles prendra la tête des forces de l'USMC en Europe et en Afrique. Il sera basé à Stuttgart, en Allemagne, au siège de l'Africom.

Cet officier supérieur supervisera les opérations des Marines en Europe et sur le continent africain. Il sera chargé, en particulier, de la Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. Basée en Espagne, cette Task Force est intervenue en Libye et en Afrique de l'ouest.

Actuellement, le Major General William Beydler, qui commande la II Marine Expeditionary Force à Camp Lejeune, est conjointement en charge des Marine Corps Forces Africa.

Le futur patron des Marines d'Europe et d'Afrique est le Brigadier General Neil Nelson, actuellement en poste en Afghanistan.

Bien sûr, cette nomination est significative car elle témoigne d'une posture en phase de renforcement et un rôle certainement accru pour l'USMC sur les deux continents suivis depuis Stuggart.


http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2015/04/27/l-usmc-nomme-un-general-deux-etoiles-pour-diriger-ses-operat-13972.html

Citation :

USMC F-35B field carrier landing practices (FCLP) at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.  

Ajoutée le 14 mai 2015

F-35B pilots, Maj. Aric Liberman (05 jet) and Capt. Brian Hansell (01 jet), with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121
based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., perform short take off and vertical landings as part of required
flying field carrier landing practices (FCLP) at the stations auxiliary landing field, Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The
landing field simulates the flight deck of an aircraft carrier to prepare pilots for landing and taking off at sea.

RIP

Citation :

Crash d'un MV-22 Osprey à Hawaï


Publié le 18/05/2015 à 12h13, par Justine BOQUET


Un MV-22 Osprey s'est crashé le dimanche 13 mai à Hawaï. Boeing


Dimanche 17 mai, alors que la 15ème Marine Expeditionary Unit effectuait « un entraînement de routine », un MV-22 Osprey s'est crashé, tuant un Marine et en blessant 21 autres.

L'incident a eu lieu à la base arrière d'entraînement des Marines (Marine's bellows training area) à 11h40, sur l'île d'Oahu à Hawaï. L'appareil était alors engagé dans un atterrissage périlleux. Pour le moment les causes de l'accident n'ont pas été déterminées, une enquête a donc été ouverte.

La 15ème Marine Expeditionary Unit, basée en temps normal en Californie à Camp Pendleton, avait embarqué avec le MV-22 à bord du porte-avions USS Essex le 10 mai de San Diego pour une mission de sept mois, avec un déploiement prévu dans l'Océan Pacifique, l'Océan Indien, la mer Rouge et le golfe persique. Ils étaient présents à Hawaï pour une semaine


http://www.air-cosmos.com/2015/05/18/35018-crash-d-un-mv-22-osprey-a-hawai

Citation :

Le F-35B débute ses essais opérationnels au sein de l'USMC


Publié le 19/05/2015 à 16h44, par Antony Angrand


Quatre des six F-35B en cours d'évaluation en essais opérationnels sur le pont de l'USS Wasp. © USMC


Six F-35B du corps des Marines ont atterri sur l'USS Wasp, débutant ainsi une série de deux semaines d'essais opérationnels dans le but de préparer la capacité opérationnelle initiale, planifiée pour cet été. Cette campagne vise à estimer l'intégration de l'appareil au sein d'opérations effectuées aussi bien sur le pont qu'en vol, de jour comme de nuit, sous différentes configurations avion.

Ces essais comprendront également l'évaluation de l'intéropérabilité des systèmes numériques entre appareil et porte-avions, les appontages effectués sous contrôle d'un officier de pont et avec l'aide d'un logiciel dédié à cet effet, ainsi que tous les aspects de maintenance, logistique et maintien en conditions opérationnelles.


http://www.air-cosmos.com/2015/05/19/35212-le-f-35b-debute-ses-essais-operationnels-au-sein-de-l-usmc

Citation :

U.S. Marine Corps proves F-35B capability at sea with USS Wasp  

Ajoutée le 9 juin 2015

The operational testing (OT-1) of the F-35B evaluated and assessed the integration of the F-35B into Marine Corps
aviation while operating across different flight, maintenance and logistical operations that are seen in the Marine
Corps' operating forces.
Video by Pfc. Remington Hall

Citation :

U.S. Marine Corps troops with tanks will be sent in Bulgaria to response on situation with Ukraine.
A U.S. Marine Corps unit equipped with tanks, light armored vehicles and artillery will be sent to Bulgaria this fall as part of American plans to help reassure NATO allies worried by Russia's involvement in Ukraine, a top commander said Thursday, June 25, 2015.


As part of the European Reassurance Initiative, about 155 Marines with the Black Sea Rotational Force will conduct six-month rotational deployments to Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. The rotations will begin by early September and at least three are planned over an 18 month period.

Brig. Gen. Norman Cooling, deputy commander of Marine Corps Europe and Africa, said the Marines will be equipped with four Abrams main battle tanks, six light armored vehicles and three howitzers. He spoke as NATO defense ministers met Thursday in Brussels.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said this week that more American military equipment would be positioned in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland and Germany as NATO seeks to bolster its forces in Eastern Europe.

The ultimate goal in introducing the combined arms company, like other measures sought by NATO and U.S. European Command, is to assure U.S. allies and protect their territorial integrity, said Capt. Richard Ulsh, a spokesman for Marine Corps Europe and Africa.

The U.S. already regularly conducts maneuvers with allied countries. In Romania on Thursday, U.S Navy Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III, a top NATO commander, said recent exercises have shown that the alliance is capable of training and operating across northern and Eastern Europe.

He also noted that NATO successfully relocated the Allied Joint Force Command temporarily from Italy to Romania for exercises this month involving 1,000 troops from 21 nations, as the alliance continues to hone its ability to react to Russia's moves in Ukraine or other security challenges.


http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/u.s._marine_corps_troops_with_tanks_will_be_sent_in_bulgaria_to_response_on_situation_with_ukraine_12606151.html

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Northrop Grumman to Provide Mission Computer for Marine Corps H-1 Lot 12 Helicopter Upgrades

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – July 9, 2015 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was recently awarded a contract from Naval Air Systems Command to deliver its next-generation mission computer for Lot 12 of the Marine Corps' H-1 helicopter upgrade program.

Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will provide FlightPro™ Gen III mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH‑1Z aircraft. These aircraft are expected to be the first to benefit from the latest model in the FlightPro™ product line. The period of performance for this Lot 12 contract is slated for October 2016 through October 2017.

"This contract reaffirms that customer demand is strong and underscores the critical role our proven avionics equipment has in enhancing C4ISR capabilities through helicopter upgrades," said Ike Song, vice president, Situational Awareness Systems business unit, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "Our mission computer is ideal for customers who want an open architecture solution that can be applied to multiple platforms, resulting in greater affordability and efficiency."

The lightweight FlightPro™ Gen III mission computer integrates advanced mission, weapons and video processing capabilities into a conduction-cooled, high-performance airborne computer capable of driving four independent, multi-function displays.

Northrop Grumman will provide identical mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft that make up the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, resulting in increased commonality across multiple platforms through a shared integrated mission equipment package. Additionally, deployed forces will benefit from greater cost efficiency and a reduced logistical footprint.

Dual mission computers are the heart of Northrop Grumman's integrated avionics system (IAS) that powers the helicopters' digital cockpits. The mission computers provide centralized control of the IAS and show aircraft performance and flight instruments, onboard sensor and survivability displays, and improved situational awareness and health monitoring information.

Aligned with the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE™) standard, the IAS and mission computers feature open, modular architecture that allows for easy system upgrades; rapid insertion of new and emerging technologies; and integration of other platform avionics, communication, onboard sensors and survivability equipment.

Northrop Grumman also provides the operational flight program software that controls the IAS while providing full government purpose rights for Northrop Grumman-owned software, helping to avoid issues commonly associated with vendor lock. Additionally, Northrop Grumman's scalable and fully integrated architecture design allows the same hardware solution to be applied to numerous platforms such as the UH‑60, CH‑47, AH‑1Z/UH‑1Y and E‑2D aircraft worldwide.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

http://www.globenewswire.com

Citation :

USMC set to choose two ACV bidders later this year

Daniel Wasserbly, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
23 July 2015


The US Marine Corps (USMC) will soon downselect two designs for its Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) programme, and the prospective next USMC commandant is sanguine about the prototypes' in-water capabilities.

Lieutenant General Robert Neller, currently head of US Marine Corps Forces Command and the nominee to become USMC commandant, defended the USMC's plan to use a slower waterspeed vehicle in lieu of the erstwhile high-speed Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.

The marines "extensive open-ocean and surf zone testing of various prototype 8x8 armoured personnel carriers" contributed to the ACV requirements and the USMC's overall modernisation strategy, he told Congress during his 23 July confirmation hearing.

Based on testing so far, Lt Gen Neller said he is "confident that at least two contractors will be capable of delivering prototypes with the capacity to achieve water mobility performance on par with or greater than our existing assault amphibian [the AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle] along with the capabilities needed for the landward portion of the ACV mission profile". The AAV7A1 has an 8.2 mph (13.2 km/h) maximum water speed, according to IHS Jane's Land Warfare Platforms .

The USMC has said it would take up to two contractors through a development phase.

The five proposed designs for ACV have come from Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems (ADVS), a relatively small company from Michigan; BAE Systems and Iveco with a version of the Superav; General Dynamics with a variant of its Piranha; Lockheed Martin offering a yet-unknown bid (it originally teamed with Patria Land Systems to offer a variant of the AMV called Havoc but separated earlier this year); and STK and SAIC with a version of the Terrex.

USMC spokesman Manny Pacheco on 23 July told IHS Jane's that in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 (FY 2016), likely around November, the corps would downselect to two bidders.

Lawmakers asked if Lt Gen Neller was concerned that the "four foreign designs" for ACV would be capable enough when 'swimming' in the water, and he noted that "only two of the five proposed designs for ACV 1.1 are based on foreign designs" and again referred to successful water mobility tests. Presumably he was referring to the Italian Superav and Singaporean Terrex as the two foreign designs.

Citation :

F-35B : vers la mise en service opérationnelle initiale


Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Avions de combat, Actualité Focus
Publié le 29/07/2015 à 15h48, par Antony Angrand


Le F-35B devrait obtenir sous peu sa capacité opérationnelle initiale. © dr


Le F-35B, qui vient de passer son inspection d'aptitude opérationnelle, n'attend que la décision du commandant en chef des Marines, le général Joseph Dunford, pour que la capacité opérationnelle initiale (IOC) soit approuvée et signée. Les Marines n'ont cependant pas fait mystère du travail qui les attend sur le jet. Notamment l'ajout d'un nouveau logiciel qui permettra à l'appareil d'emporter plus d'armement et un canon, une caméra avec flux en diffusion continu, ainsi que la capacité vision de nuit. L'ensemble de ces équipements sera installé dans les années à venir sur l'appareil.

"l'IOC est une étape majeure pour cet appareil" commentent plusieurs officiers supérieurs, lesquels ajoutent que le programme dont le coût est estimé à 391 milliards de dollars, semble désormais reparti sur de bonnes bases, après plusieurs années de retards et de surcoûts.

Le premier escadron de F-35B sera déployé à Iwakuni, au Japon, en janvier 2017, mais à partir du moment ou l'IOC sera devenue officielle, les appareils pourront être amenés à intervenir n'importe ou à l'échelle mondiale. Le corps des Marines n'a pas l'intention de revoir ses plans d'acquisition de F-35B et C, à hauteur de 420 appareils. La flotte actuelle des Marines se caractérise par ses vieux appareils, dont les coûts de maintenance n'ont fait qu'augmenter au fil du temps.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/f-35b-vers-la-mise-en-service-operationnelle-initiale-41224

Citation :

F35 : Manque de fiabilité lors de l'évaluation sur l'USS Wasp


Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Avions de combat, Actualité Focus
Publié le 29/07/2015 à 16h26, par Antony Angrand


Selon un récent rapport les six F-35B qui ont été évalués sur l'USS Wasp ont eu une disponibilité particulièrement basse et un manque évident
de fiabilité. © USMC


Le F-35B du corps des marines a fait preuve d'un manque évident de fiabilité lors de sa campagne d'essais s'étalant sur une durée de 12 jours sur l'USS Wasp, un bâtiment d'assaut amphibie. C'est en tous cas ce qu'à récemment déclaré Michael Gilmore, directeur des essais opérationnels du département américain de la défense.

Les six F-35B utilisés lors de cette campagne d'essais en mer n'ont pu en conséquence effectuer que la moitié du nombre d'heures de vol initialement programmé. "La maintenance va être confrontée sous peu à des défis significatifs" a commenté Michael Gilmore, qui a toutefois ajouté que les marines ont eu un accès rapide et aisé aux pièces détachées situées à terre et que le personnel de Lockheed s'est révélé d'une aide précieuse.

Mais, en dépit de ces avantages, "le manque de fiabilité s'est révélé être si contraignant qu'il a été très difficile pour les marines de garder plus de deux ou trois jets à bord du vaisseau en état de vol quel que soit la journée concernée. Le maintien en conditions de vol sera évidemment plus difficile lorsque l'appareil sera déployé pour la première fois en conditions opérationnelles", a ajouté Michael Gilmore.

Ces propos font sute à une évaluation officielle qui tombe au plus mauvais moment, puisque l'appareil est censé être déclaré prêt pour des opérations au combat, l'IOC ou capacité opérationnelle initiale. L'un des porte-parole du corps des marines a déclaré de son côté que la disponibilité de l'appareil était de 65 %. "Bien que le rapport soit dans les faits exact, le corps des Marines ne partage pas la totalité des conclusions et des opinions qui y sont mentionnés", a-t-il ajouté.

Michael Gilmore estime qu'un taux de disponibilité de 80% sera nécessaire en opérations pour une patrouille composée de six appareils. Les marines estiment de leur côté que ce taux sera atteint à partir du moment ou suffisamment de fonds seront alloués pour les pièces détachées.

Reste que la déclaration de capacité opérationnelle initiale a cinq ans de retard, puisque dans le calendrier initial  qui fut établi en 2001, elle aurait du se tenir en avril 2010. Les premiers retards eurent pour origine la réduction de masse de l'appareil, ses problèmes relatifs à son système propulsif et sa fiabilité.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/f35-manque-de-fiabilite-lors-de-l-evaluation-sur-l-uss-wasp-41225