The USMC now wants to ditch the Harrier by 2025.
Their previous brain-book estimates were past 2030. It is getting a little harder to maintain, but at least it doesn't have center barrel issues etc like the classic Hornet.
They also want to refurb their Hornets more. Don't know if that will get them to 2025. Maybe where each F-18 has different flight-restrictions on it mentioned on the aircraft forms. That makes for interesting squadron flight schedule planning.
The Harrier offers better close air support options than any IOC F-35B that we might see in 2015-16. For cheaper operating costs too.
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