Marine Corps is Buying More F-35Cs: Why the F-35B Has "Limitations" | Dave "Chip" Berke
Marine Corps F-35 Strategy: Why is the Marine Corps buying more F-35C carrier variants than originally planned? Former F-35B Squadron Commander, Dave "Chip" Berke (Echelon Front, author of The Need to Lead), breaks down the subtle but crucial differences between the F-35B (STOVL) and the F-35C (Carrier Variant). Chip Berke explains that while all three F-35 variants are functionally similar, the F-35C offers massive advantages "on paper"—a ton of gas (fuel), a bigger wing for high-altitude efficiency, and a larger payload. The investment in the F-35C allows the Marine Corps to fully integrate into large "big deck" carrier operations. However, the F-35B is vital for its niche capability of operating in austere, non-traditional forward locations (STOVL). This discussion provides a unique look into naval aviation's roots, the evolution of Marine carrier assignments (F/A-18s), and the leadership challenge of managing these next-gen assets. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: • Only Marine To Fly The F-22 And F-35 | TOP... Join this channel to get access to perks: / @afterburndefense The Lowdown Newsletter: https://www.lowdownnews.us/ Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to "There I was…" stories. / theafterburnpodcast Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://apple.co/3dLradT Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3SAeSUr Afterburn Podcast Links: Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com Patreon - / theafterburnpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters2... *Video Chapters* 0:00 - Preview - Marine Corps pivot to buying more F-35Cs 1:40 - The roots of Marine carrier aviation (F/A-18s) 2:01 - How Marine F/A-18 squadrons augmented Navy air wings 3:47 - The F-35B vs. F-35C: Why the B has "limitations" 4:51 - F-35C advantages: More gas, bigger wing, bigger payload 5:26 - The F-35B's crucial niche: Hyper flexibility and austere operations 6:14 - Why the Marine Corps needs both platforms
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