Strange Vehicle

[Lawman]

Think airSHIP, vice a combat aircraft. Something like this would likely be employed like maritime shipping, taking equipment across the ocean that would normally be carried by a ship, but a lot faster than one.

Also a great option, long range persistant patrol craft. Yeah it may take a while to get into position relative a fast moving jet but still brings something unique to that mission.

 

[skidz]

dbl post

 

[skidz]

Methinks that this wouldn't be a "first wave" vehicle. That place is reserved for helos and AAV's. This would be for follow on forces/support, much like the LCAC - only larger.

An AAV being hit by an IED illustrates that the Marine Corps is making due with what they have, for what is essentially the Army's core competency. AAV's are designed for amphibious assault, not occupation. Our job is to hit the beach, fight with amazing tenacity, take large amounts of casualties, and get a foothold for the Army to come in with their huge numbers & support.

As is always the case, the Marine Corps will do what it is asked to do... Hence the reason you can say "AAV hit by an IED". However, if we still focus on our core competency (amphibious assault), then yes, this vehicle could have it's place...

You're right, but just because it's not on the front lines doesn't mean it's not capable of being hit. Still a risk I don't think the Marines, or Army, would want to take when dealing with that many people on one air vehicle.

 

[Mumbles]

i think the CPOs and WOs would love flying those. Hell, senior Es drive LCACS around and even wear flight suits and have crew rest.

 

[phrogpilot73]

You're right, but just because it's not on the front lines doesn't mean it's not capable of being hit. Still a risk I don't think the Marines, or Army, would want to take when dealing with that many people on one air vehicle.

So then why do we put so many Marines on ships? They can sink... The point is, it's not really an "air vehicle" per say. Yes it is in the technical terms, but it's more like calling an LCAC "air vehicle". What happens if its engines quit, it gets hit? It floats, just like a boat. As phrogdriver pointed out, think of it as an airSHIP...

 

[skidz]

So then why do we put so many Marines on ships? They can sink... The point is, it's not really an "air vehicle" per say. Yes it is in the technical terms, but it's more like calling an LCAC "air vehicle". What happens if its engines quit, it gets hit? It floats, just like a boat. As phrogdriver pointed out, think of it as an airSHIP...

I understand what you're saying now. I just considered something that flies with that many units a problem because it falling increases the amount of casualties, rather than a ship that can ditch and use life boats. I still don't think it would be too great a use, but i guess they could figure out a way to detach the compartments that hold the equipment if they do need to get rid of weight to stay airborne because one or more of the bladders were hit.