What Aircraft Do the Marines Fly?
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) operates a variety of aircraft to support its military operations, both domestic and abroad. As part of the Department of Defense, the USMC plays a crucial role in defending the country’s interests and protecting its allies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of aircraft used by the Marines, their roles, and the units that operate them.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
The Marines operate several fixed-wing aircraft, including:
- F/A-18 Hornets: A multirole fighter jet used for air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. The F/A-18 has been the mainstay of the Marine Corps’ fighter fleet since the 1980s.
- F-35B Lightning II: A fifth-generation stealth fighter jet that can conduct air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. The F-35B is the only variant of the F-35 that can vertically take off and land (VTOL).
- C-130J Super Hercules: A turboprop transport aircraft used for airlift, aerial refueling, and medevac missions.
- C-12 Huron: A turboprop aircraft used for general transport, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.
Helicopters
The Marines operate several types of helicopters, including:
- CH-53E Super Stallion: A heavy-lift helicopter used for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies.
- UH-1Y Venom: A light utility helicopter used for medical evacuation, transport, and reconnaissance.
- AH-1Z Viper: A light attack helicopter used for close air support and reconnaissance.
- UH-1Y/V Venom: A hybrid helicopter used for medical evacuation, transport, and reconnaissance.
Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft
The Marines operate two VTOL aircraft:
- F-35B Lightning II: As mentioned earlier, the F-35B is a stealth fighter jet that can vertically take off and land.
- V-22 Osprey: A tiltrotor aircraft that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter, but can also convert to a fixed-wing aircraft for higher speeds and longer range.
Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
The Marines operate several types of drones and UAVs, including:
- MQ-9 Reaper: A remotely piloted aircraft used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strikes.
- MQ-8 Fire Scout: A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned helicopter used for reconnaissance and surveillance.
- RQ-7B Shadow: A remotely piloted aircraft used for reconnaissance and surveillance.
Aircraft Squadrons
The Marines operate aircraft through various squadrons, which are typically based at different air stations around the world. Here are some of the major aircraft squadrons:
- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA): Operates F/A-18 Hornets and F-35B Lightning IIs.
- Marine Attack Squadron (VMA): Operates AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets.
- Marine Cargo Squadron (VMGR): Operates C-130J Super Hercules.
- Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMLA): Operates CH-53E Super Stallions, UH-1Y Venoms, and AH-1Z Vipers.
- Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA): Operates AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Venoms.
Table: Marine Aircraft Fleet
| Aircraft | Type | Role | Squadron |
|---|---|---|---|
| F/A-18 Hornet | Fighter | Air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance | VMFA |
| F-35B Lightning II | Fighter | Air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance | VMFA |
| C-130J Super Hercules | Transport | Airlift, aerial refueling, medevac | VMGR |
| C-12 Huron | Transport | General transport, medical evacuation, cargo transport | Various |
| CH-53E Super Stallion | Helicopter | Heavy-lift transport | HMLA |
| UH-1Y Venom | Helicopter | Light utility transport | HMLA |
| AH-1Z Viper | Helicopter | Light attack reconnaissance | HMLA |
| UH-1Y/V Venom | Helicopter | Hybrid transport and reconnaissance | HMLA |
| F-35B Lightning II | VTOL | Air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance | VMFA |
| V-22 Osprey | VTOL | Transport, reconnaissance | HMLA |
| MQ-9 Reaper | Drone | Surveillance, reconnaissance, strikes | Various |
| MQ-8 Fire Scout | Drone | VTOL surveillance | HMLA |
| RQ-7B Shadow | Drone | Remote reconnaissance | Various |
Conclusion
The United States Marine Corps operates a diverse range of aircraft to support its military operations. From fixed-wing fighters and transports to helicopters and drones, the Marines have a unique fleet of aircraft that allow them to perform a wide range of tasks. By understanding the different types of aircraft and the units that operate them, we can gain a better appreciation for the importance of the Marine Corps in defending the United States and its interests around the world.
