Welcome to the Naval Test Wing Atlantic Website.

Flight Test & Evaluation

The Test Wing Atlantic provides "Test Ready Aircraft" and specially trained, highly skilled aircrew to conduct Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E;) and Force Operations Test and Evaluation (FOT&E;) of aircraft systems. Test Wing Atlantic participates in all phases of RDT&E;/FOT&E;, from cradle to grave, starting with concept demonstrations of new aircraft, on to engineering development and full scale production of new aircraft, followed by modernization and modification programs that enable older aircraft to keep pace with modern technology and new war fighting requirements.

One of the Test Wing Atlantic's primary goals is to exceed customer expectations for cost, schedule, and technical performance. In concert with NAWCAD Test Ranges, Laboratories, and T&E; Engineering, Test Wing Atlantic applies a highly disciplined regimen of flight and ground test trials, under tightly controlled conditions, to determine; airworthiness, air vehicle and system performance, shipboard suitability, safety and serviceability of new aircraft or new airborne systems.

The Test Wing Atlantic Organization consists of: Test Wing Staff, USN Test Pilot School, three Test Squadrons and an Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).

• The US Naval Test Pilot School provides NAWC and numerous external customers with highly specialized training in the various Naval flight test disciplines. Its staff trains fleet experienced aviators to become fully qualified test pilots and trains experienced naval flight officer to become fully qualified test flight officer. It also provides a source of engineers qualified to perform the specialized duties required to meet the requirements of Naval Aviation's RDT&E; community. The USNTPS aircraft stable includes: C-12, F/A-18, OH-58, P-3, SH-60, T-2, T-38, TH-6, U-1, U-6, UH-60, and X-26. USNTPS is the "University of RDT&E.;"
  
  
• The Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron VX-20 provides aircrew and (the larger) fixed wing sea and land-based aircraft currently including; C-130 & C-130J, C-2, E-2, E-6, P-3 (several types), S-3 and the Navy's primary training airplane the T-34. Force will also host the new Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) and the new Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS).
  
  
• The Naval Rotary Air Wing Test Squadron HX-21 provides aircrew and rotary wing sea and land-based aircraft currently including: AH-1W, UH-1N, H-1 Upgrades, H-60 (B, F, R, S), CH-53E, MH-53, UH/VH-3, H-57V-22(aircrew only), and Unmanned Air Vehicles.
  
  
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  The Naval Strike Air Test Squadron VX-23 provides aircrew and fighter/attack fixed wing sea-based aircraft currently including; EA-6B, F-14, F-18C/D, F-18 E/F and T-45. Strike is also engaged in hosting and providing Flight Test Aircrew for the new Joint Strike Fighter X-35 and X-32 concept demonstration aircraft as well as the X-31 VECTOR test vehicle.
  
  
• The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) provides on-site intermediate maintenance for many of Test Wing Atlantic's aircraft. The Atlantic Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department also coordinates the repair of components that must be shipped off-site for repair.