Navy Research Squadron Advances Airborne Technology Testing
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 13, 2025
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 serves because the Navy’s sole analysis and improvement flying unit, bridging laboratory breakthroughs with real-world operational deployment by way of airborne experimentation and know-how analysis.
“The science we enable is ambitious, often foundational, and it unfolds over years,” stated 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.”
Based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, the “Warlocks” present the primary proving floor for NRL’s airborne methods, guaranteeing improvements are prepared to be used within the fleet.
“VXS-1 is NRL’s own aircraft testing squadron,” stated Executive Officer Cmdr. Andrew Vawter. “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.”
The squadron operates a number of plane varieties, every tailor-made to particular analysis roles. Modified P-3 Orions carry massive payloads for advanced system trials, together with superior sensors and communications. Recent missions deployed buoys forward of hurricanes to seize storm surge information, bettering forecasting to guard lives and infrastructure.
Twin Otter plane help low-altitude trials of mapping and environmental monitoring applied sciences very important for coastal operations. The C-12 platform facilitates high-altitude evaluations of missile protection and communication methods, guaranteeing compatibility with present naval property.
“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,” stated Steve Rorke, undertaking liaison officer at VXS-1.
Through its specialised fleet and experience, VXS-1 speeds the transition from experimental idea to field-ready functionality, strengthening naval readiness and technological superiority.
“Waking up in the morning, I’m super excited to go fly and work with all these guys and gals,” stated 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 stays a key intersection between innovation and operational software, guaranteeing the Navy’s warfighters obtain essentially the most superior instruments to safeguard the nation.
Related Links
Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 at NRL
Naval Warfare in the 21st Century