image: Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1) supports the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory by conducting flight operations in Patuxent River, Md. May 2, 2025. VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals.
Credit: Sarah Peterson
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 is the U.S. Navy’s only research and development squadron; responsible for airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development connecting laboratory innovations to operational deployment.
“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.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil.
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