Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:22:15-1:23:04

Why a larger Harrier is an incremental Marine Corps gain

A larger AV-8B-type aircraft would add useful capacity, but it would improve an established Marine Corps capability rather than create a new one.

Close Air SupportHarrier Jump JetUS Marine CorpsV/STOL Aircraft
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Question

How would the US Marine Corps react to receiving a larger, improved AV-8B-type Harrier?

Short answer

It would be useful and welcome, but it would expand an existing capability rather than transform Marine aviation.

Notes

The panel treats the proposal as more of the same vertical-attack capability rather than a step change. Marine aviators would welcome additional payload, range, or aircraft numbers, but the force already understands how to use the Harrier mission. The gain is therefore evolutionary: more capacity to deliver close support from austere or amphibious operating sites. This watch point is useful for separating a welcome equipment improvement from the arrival of an entirely new operational concept.