The Navy’s Airborne Lab Puts Tech to the Test

The Navy's Airborne Lab Puts Tech to the Test

By Emily Winget, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. -
"The science we enable is ambitious, often foundational, and it unfolds over years," said VXS-1 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tony Levine. "But our purpose is immediate and unwavering: to defend the nation. Every line of code, every prototype, every test run - we partner with the scientists and do it with a mission in mind."

Stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, VXS-1, also known as the "Warlocks," serves as the initial testing ground for NRL-developed airborne technologies - providing the critical link between theory and reality.

"VXS-1 is NRL's own aircraft testing squadron," said Executive Officer, Cmdr. Andrew Vawter, at VXS-1. "We work with NRL to test cutting-edge equipment, accelerating its readiness for use in the field. Our primary mission is to deliver these new capabilities to the Naval Research Enterprise and in turn, into the hands of the warfighter."

VXS-1 operates a diverse Fleet of aircraft, each uniquely configured to support specific research objectives:

• P-3 Orion: Modified P-3s provide substantial payload capacity for testing complex systems, including advanced sensors and communication equipment, ensuring they are robust and reliable under operational conditions. Recent projects include deploying buoys in front of major hurricanes to gather wave and storm surge data, improving forecasting models for future storms in turn safeguarding ships, infrastructure, and lives.

• Twin Otter: This versatile aircraft enables low altitude testing of technologies such as advanced mapping systems and environmental monitoring tools, providing critical data for naval operations in coastal regions.
• C-12: The C-12 supports higher altitude testing of technologies like missile defense systems and communication relays, ensuring seamless integration with existing naval infrastructure.

Steve Rorke, project liaison officer at VXS-1, highlights the squadron's commitment to facilitating rapid technology transition: "Our job is to support the scientists and engineers to get their equipment into the air, to further their research and ultimately deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter."

By providing dedicated airborne platforms for science and technology testing, VXS-1 accelerates the development and deployment of critical technologies that enhance naval capabilities and ensure the warfighter maintains a decisive advantage. The squadron's unique expertise and specialized resources make it an indispensable asset in the Navy's innovative ecosystem.

"Waking up in the morning, I'm super excited to go fly and work with all these guys and gals," said Operations Officer Brandon Bui. "At VXS-1, every mission is driven by one goal: delivering tomorrow's technology to today's Fleet - faster, smarter, and mission-ready. Everyone's committed to providing good science and technology for the Fleet out there."

VXS-1 is not just a testing squadron; it is an intersection for innovation and real Fleet applications, ensuring that the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of technological advancement and that the warfighter is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation.