The United States Marine Corps are a powerful component of the American military machine, charged with bringing the fight to the enemy from ship-to-shore and beyond. While infantrymen and vehicles play a large role in such actions, support from the air is also critical to USMC success. Because of the United States Air Force's hold on fixed-wing aircraft, the USMC is limited in what it can field in that respect: the fighter force is comprised of the venerable F/A-18A/C/D multirole models backed by a stock of the classic AV-8B+ 'Harrier II' Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL). The latter is of particular note, providing unparalleled flexibility in operating near the front lines from Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). To this number is added some sixty F-35B 5th Generation strike fighters which also have an inherent VTOL capability with more of this platform still on order. The total fighter/combat warplane force accounts for 32% of the total USMC inventory.
At the heart of USMC fighting power is its rotorcraft force (56% of all inventory), with various types kept in active service. The fleet is led by the MV-22 tilt-rotor transport giving all the capabilities of a helicopter with the performance equal to a fixed-wing aircraft. After this is a large stock of all-modern UH-1Y 'Venom' versatile helicopters based in the classic UH-1 Huey framework. Heavy-lifting is accomplished through the mammoth CH-53E Super Stallion which is set to be overtaken by the K-model 'King Stallion' evolution - one currently active in inventory with nearly 200 on order. On-call firepower is from a mixed stock of AH-1Z 'Viper' and AH-1W 'SuperCobra' twin-engined attack helicopters.
The service sports few special-mission aircraft though many of usual roles are handled by the USAF and USN. Aerial refueling consists of a fleet of sixty-one aircraft embodied by the C-130 Hercules design; specifically the KC-130J and KC-130T marks. The training arm is primarily F-35B, TAV-8B, and F-18B/C models with some Tiger IIs retained for Opposing Force fighter training.
The USMC is certainly undergoing a notable modernization in the air with nearly 750 aircraft on order -intended to keep the service's airpower viable for the next several decades.
NOTE: Images found below are indicative of series type (for representation purposes) and do not reflect current service colors. On-Order systems are not included in the overall Aircraft Total.
A readiness rate of 50% would equate to 653 of the 1,306 available aircraft.
A readiness rate of 70% would equate to 914 of the 1,306 available aircraft.
A readiness rate of 75% would equate to 980 of the 1,306 available aircraft.
A readiness rate of 80% would equate to 1,045 of the 1,306 available aircraft.
