Modern USMC Air Power: Aircraft and Units of the 'Flying Leathernecks'

The US Marine Corps operates an eclectic mix of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and unmanned aircraft to support the marine rifleman on the ground. Joe Copalman's book "Modern USMC Air Power" explains the significance of each aircraft transition in the Marine Corps over the previous 20 years, highlighting how newer platforms have improved upon legacy capabilities. The Marine Corps has also invested heavily in keeping its legacy fleets at the cutting edge of lethality and survivability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Harpia Publishing, LLC

The United States Marine Corps serves as the American expeditionary force's primary air arm, employing a diverse fleet of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and unmanned aircraft to support ground-based marine riflemen. Over the past two decades, the Marine air wings have undergone a remarkable transformation, as Cold War-era legacy aircraft are replaced with modern digital-age replacements. In his comprehensive book, "Modern USMC Air Power," Joe Copalman delves into the significance of these aircraft transitions within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and their ability to conduct amphibious and expeditionary warfare.

While certain transitions, such as the KC-130T to KC-130J and AH-1W to AH-1Z, have been gradual improvements, others, such as the tandem-rotor CH-46 Sea Knight's transition to the tiltrotor MV-22 Osprey and the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II to replace all three Marine Corps tactical jets, have revolutionized the service's combat capabilities. In addition to introducing newer, vastly more capable, and connected aircraft into its air wings, the Marine Corps has also invested heavily in maintaining the lethality and survivability of its remaining legacy fleets throughout the final days of each type's service.

Copalman employs a before-and-after approach to guide the reader through every transition in Modern USMC Air Power, examining the unique capabilities of each legacy aircraft and how the newer platforms have enhanced those capabilities, particularly with the aid of advanced technologies like precision-guided ordnance and digital interoperability. This insightful book provides valuable insights into the evolution of USMC air power and its critical role in supporting the nation's military operations.

Weight: 1054g
Dimension: 210 x 282 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950394029