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The Marines fly the F-35B because it can make short takeoffs and vertical landings, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships and short expeditionary airstrips. That basing flexibility supports Marine expeditionary forces. The F-22, by contrast, is an Air Force air-dominance fighter; the official descriptions available for it do not identify a short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing capability or amphibious-ship role. The difference is mission and basing fit—not a verdict that one fighter is universally better.
Why the F-35B fits Marine operations
The F-35B is the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35. The Marine Corps says it is designed to operate from LHA/LHD amphibious ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long, giving Marine aviation options beyond conventional carrier decks and long runways. The service describes this as expeditionary flexibility for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Marine Aviation Plan 2022
STOVL describes the aircraft’s operating concept, not a promise that it can take off vertically with every load or under every condition. The Marine plan specifically describes short takeoffs and vertical landings.
A deployment example
In 2018, F-35Bs joined the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Wasp in what the Marine Corps reported as the type’s first operational deployment with a MEU. The deployment shows how ship-based F-35B operations fit into an expeditionary force rather than being only a theoretical basing option. U.S. Marine Corps: 31st MEU F-35Bs Join USS Wasp for Historic Deployment
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- Detailed model kit in 1:48 scale.
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- The independent assembly is accompanied by step by step or illustrated assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed). The assembly instructions are included (English language not guaranteed).
- Based on the assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed), the precise individual parts must be assembled. The parts can be painted according to your own ideas.
- Tools, glue and paints are not included with the plastic kit. These must be purchased optionally.
Why the F-22 is a different fit
The U.S. Air Force describes the F-22 Raptor as an air-dominance fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, operated by Air Force organizations. Its official fact sheet does not describe STOVL or amphibious-ship operations. That is the relevant distinction: the Marine Corps’ stated need is an aircraft able to support expeditionary basing, while the F-22’s stated role is air dominance. U.S. Air Force: F-22 Raptor
This does not establish that the F-22 is incapable of every short-field operation, nor does it identify a specific legal ban or procurement decision as the reason Marines do not fly it. The official descriptions support a mission-and-capability explanation, not a broader claim about every possible landing configuration or acquisition rationale.
Rank #2
- Detailed model kit in 1:72 scale. The stand model has the following dimensions: length: 215 mm, span 148 mm.
- The high-quality kit from TAMIYA must be assembled by yourself.
- The independent assembly is accompanied by step by step or illustrated assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed). The assembly instructions are included (English language not guaranteed).
- Based on the assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed), the precise individual parts must be assembled. The parts can be painted according to your own ideas.
- Tools, glue and paints are not included with the plastic kit. These must be purchased optionally.
The Marines also fly the F-35C
The Marine Corps does not rely solely on the F-35B. Its aviation plan describes the F-35C as the Marine carrier variant for conventional carriers or land bases. Compared with the B, the C has more internal fuel and larger internal weapon bays; it gives up the B’s distinct STOVL flexibility. Those tradeoffs make the C a different tool for conventional carrier and land-based operations, rather than a substitute that can use the same expeditionary basing options. Marine Aviation Plan 2022
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Published force and procurement figures describe different things and should not be combined into a single current aircraft total.
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| Figure | What it measures | Date and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs | Planned Marine Corps procurement profile | Marine Aviation Plan 2022, published April 2022; a plan figure, not a verified current final buy. Source |
| 11 operational squadrons and 2 training squadrons transitioned; 4 additional squadrons in transition | Squadron transition status | Force Design Update 2025, published October 2025; a dated transition snapshot, not a procurement total. Source |
Bottom line on the F-35B versus the F-22
The F-35B’s short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing design lets Marine aviation work from amphibious ships and short expeditionary strips, matching the Marines’ expeditionary operating needs. The F-22’s documented Air Force role is air dominance, without a documented STOVL or amphibious-ship capability. This is why the Marines fly the F-35B rather than the F-22.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/72 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: Total length 8.5 inches (216 mm) / Total height 2.4 inches (
- Introducing the 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft F-35B, developed by Rockheed Martin company
- You can assemble it by choosing the characteristic vertical take-off and landing when you need to take off and land
Rank #4
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/32 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: total length 19.5 inches (495 mm), total width 16.3 inches (413.7 mm)
- Accurately reproduces the interior of the cockpit and engine, landing legs and weapons
- Etched parts included
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