USMC Streamlining Forces

[WingsofFury]

Unlike the fixed-wing Harrier jump jet and Cobra attack helicopter — the air-support workhorses of marines — the Harvest Hawk can remain on station for more than seven hours. It has a weapon load similar to a Cobra, giving marines support on the ground via an ISR pod mounted on the left external fuel tank. It employs Hellfire and Griffin missiles.

Along with the cannon, the Corps is considering adding Viper Strike missiles.

Marine Corps Considers New Cannon for Airborne Gunship

This goes a long way in showing that the US is streamlining everything into a smaller, deadlier force.

Now that the Marines have this added capability to provide CAS to their own troops, I would venture to suggest that there will be greater force reductions in other army units accross the board and that the USMC will be tasked with greater responsibility in perfomance with the smaller but still very capable strike package.

Video of the Harvest Hawk can be found here.

 

[aesop081]

Now that the Marines have this added capability to provide CAS to their own troops,

The USMC has always had the capability to provide CAS to it's own troops. Harvest Hawk is a great additional tool but only in certain environments. It would not do so well in a less permissive air situation.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Nevertheless, I wish we had that tool in our toolbox.