Quick question on real world ops.

[Dieselmadness]

Just wondering, I’ve tried to google this stuff but it seems there next to no information out there, so I figured I’d ask a couple questions here and see if anyone can shed light…

first, I’ve got the supercarrier, however it seems in the real world the AV8 never operates off a Nimitz class supercarrier. Is this a fact and is it so unrealistic in DCS to operate off the supercarrier or do they ONLY use the amphibious type carriers? Also, where are real world harriers usually stationed anyway? 
 

second is unrelated to DCS but rather a question, how common is it for an F18 pilot in the Navy to transition to the Marine corps Harrier? I’ve heard of pilots changing branches etc but are harriers marine corps only?

[Ramsay]

12 hours ago, Dieselmadness said:

it seems in the real world the AV8 never operates off a Nimitz class supercarrier. Is this a fact and is it so unrealistic in DCS to operate off the supercarrier or do they ONLY use the amphibious type carriers?

There have been a number of trials and proof of concept tests integrating the Harrier into fixed wing carrier operations

• AV-8A: 1976 - 1977 14x AV-8A (VMA-231), USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), Mediterranean Cruise
• AV-8B: 1988 -1991 Limited testing/use AV-8B, USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), Integration tests and Desert Storm

So for a "semi-realistic/historic" DCS scenario with Harriers operating off a "Super Carrier", you'll want to set it in an older (ODS) time frame, with older weapons (IRMavs, Sidearms, No TPOD, etc) and working alongside older aircraft i.e. F-14, A-7, A-10A, etc.

https://jalopnik.com/the-time-when-av-8-harriers-deployed-aboard-a-fixed-win-1692022146

As you've noted, AFAIK modern Harrier operations use amphibious carriers but I'm sure the USMC would operated off a fixed wing carrier if there were good reasons to do so i.e. logistics, etc.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Ramsay

[Nealius]

Operating off an LHA/D vs. shore probably depends greatly on scenario as well. I think most Harriers operated from shore bases during OEF. Not sure about OIF or OIR. During ODS I think it was a mix of some operating from shore, and some launching from LHAs then doing rounds between their killboxes and shore bases before returning to the LHA for the night. Baltic Dragon's public Google Drive had a lot of Osprey Publishing books on Harriers during different conflicts, so those would be a good read to get a feel for realistic scenarios.

Edited August 17, 2022 by Nealius

[FMBluecher]

On 8/14/2022 at 8:13 PM, Dieselmadness said:

second is unrelated to DCS but rather a question, how common is it for an F18 pilot in the Navy to transition to the Marine corps Harrier? I’ve heard of pilots changing branches etc but are harriers marine corps only?

I'm sure this has been done, but only very rarely. The Harriers are USMC only, so unless there's a Navy-Marine Corps pilot exchange program, probably the only way to do this is to change services, which, again, does happen but is very rare.

[BuzzLine]

47 minutes ago, FMBluecher said:

I'm sure this has been done, but only very rarely. The Harriers are USMC only, so unless there's a Navy-Marine Corps pilot exchange program, probably the only way to do this is to change services, which, again, does happen but is very rare.

Indeed. However, @Dieselmadness , do note that many USMC squadrons operate the F18 (check out all the VMF liveries !) so there were probably many transfers between those airframes, while remaining in the Marine Corps. And US Navy carriers often embark at least one USMC squadron (F18 now and in the past, slowly moving to F35 as it becomes available).

[Dieselmadness]

awsome, thanks for the insight guys! trying to get a feel for a typical sortie on deployment in a harrier. was wondering if they bounced around between carrier and land bases on deployment too or if theyre bound to the carrier like the F18 Guys. Thanks again for all the insight!

[BuzzLine]

6 hours ago, Dieselmadness said:

 if theyre bound to the carrier like the F18 Guys.

Well, if you want to be precise, squadrons (like F18s but also E2 and other types required for the full complement) are bound to an air wing. That air wing is then deployed to a carrier, which can change for the next cruise.