And the ordnance, force protection personnel and equipment, aircraft support
equipment, food/water, etc etc etc....

The forward basing "feature" of the VSTOL is way oversold (IMHO)

Mark

"Brett" wrote in message
...
"Dweezil Dwarftosser" wrote:
Henry J Cobb wrote:

USAF to Purchase Marines' Vertical-Lift Fighter

I would imagine that the USAF's only reason for purchase
of VTO F-35s would be forward-basing of them close to
the battle area, where in-flight refueling needs are
considerably lessened.

They are if your supply train can put a large quanties of fuel close to
the
front line...