Is there any clarity on delivery and commission dates? There has been a great deal of conflicting info in published material, especially since the switch back to STOVL and F-35B. QNLZ is due to begin Sea Trials in August 2016 before entering Portsmouth in December 2016. The plan is she will formall...

desertswo wrote:
There is a modicum of truth in that the Marine Corps as presently constituted is designed to sell themselves dear in kicking in the door for the Army.

...And driving all the way to Baghdad via An Nasiriyah whilst they're at it!

One of the key benefits of the C-17 over other lifters like the A400m is not just the headline max load, but sheer distances that it can deliver equivalent loads. For instance, according to manufacturers figures the A400m can fly 30 tonnes of cargo 2,450 nautical miles whilst the C-17 can carry 32 t...

The key to the difference between the USMC and RM is not in the word 'Marines' but in the word 'Commandos'. The USMC is basically an amphibious army in its own right whilst the RM are a more specialised unit - not only due to their size but also their ethos *. The Korps Mariniers are very largely st...