Why is the Patuxent River Complex (PRC) important?

The PRC is a national asset for aircraft testing and training for all branches of the United States (U.S.) military. Testing and training at the PRC has been occurring since 1943. The PRC is unique in that it provides the facilities, military restricted airspace, instrumentation, and people with the technical expertise to support aircraft, aviation systems, and non-explosive weapons integration testing. All Navy aircraft, systems, and equipment must be tested to ensure proper functioning before delivery to the U.S. military for use. Testing and training activities conducted in the PRC are important for maintaining readiness. Research and development of new technologies by the U.S. Department of Defense occurs continually to ensure that the U.S. military can counter new and anticipated threats.

Testing ensures that aircraft, systems, and equipment meet the needs of our Sailors and Marines. Training prepares Sailors and Marines to operate and maintain the systems and equipment they use to conduct their missions.

Testing and Training Activities

The Navy conducts testing and training to ensure service members are equipped to succeed in their mission of national defense. PRC testing and training activities include:

• Aircraft Flight Activities - test flights, training flights, and other flights.
  1. Test flights - evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of new, modified, or upgraded aircraft or aircraft systems and are categorized as:
     • Air Vehicle Testing – tests during flights to expose the airframe and aircrew to varying altitude, speed, load factor, weight, and other conditions.
     • Carrier and Shipboard Suitability Testing – tests conducted using ground-based facilities designed to simulate a ship.
     • Mission Systems Testing – tests to evaluate the performance and operability of electronic, computer, communications, and control systems including, black boxes, avionics, and aircraft electronics.
     • Electronic Warfare Testing – tests to evaluate electronic systems designed to interrupt enemy electronic systems.
     • Weapons Integration Testing – tests to evaluate the integration of non-explosive weapons with aircraft and associated systems.
  2. Training Flights – training of Naval Air Station Patuxent River tenant squadrons and other military aircrew in proficiency and unit level skills including:
     • U.S. Naval Test Pilot School training for new test pilots.
     • Aircrew proficiency and Field Carrier Landing Practice.
     • Air Force, Army, and National Guard training in support of national defense.
  3. Other Flights – flights conducted by tenant squadrons that have a support and/or operational function such as functional checks, strategic communications, and search and rescue flights.
• Ground Activities – ground–based activities related to aircraft flights. Some tests are conducted in specialized ground test facilities and laboratories.
• Surface Activities – range boat services (range clearance and target placement and recovery) to support testing and training activities. Also includes testing and training of water vessels.