Tour Information
Registration for the tour is Closed!
To attend the Naval Air Station Patuxent River tour you must complete a Visitor Request Form per the below instructions: The tour is only available to registrants of the conference.
- Right-click this link and save file to your computer:
- Open file on your computer, enter info, and save file, and close. Re-open to make sure data was saved, and close.
- Attach the file to an email to Renata Casiel rcasiel@ndia.org
The Visitor Request Form (US Citizens ONLY) is due by Monday, April 30th
Tour Agenda
8:30 am - Pre-tour briefing located in the Drum Point Conference room
8:15 am - Depart Hotel
9:30 am - Arrive at Naval Air Station Patuxent River
10:00 am - Pre-tour briefing
12:00 pm - Return to the base
12:30 pm - Arrive back at the Conference Center
About Naval Air Station Pax River
With the consolidation, integration and collocation that has occurred since the 1990s, Pax River now hosts the headquarters for both Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). These two entities provide the full spectrum of acquisition management, research and development capabilities, air and ground test and evaluation, aircraft logistics and maintenance management.
This distinctive synergy supports land-based and maritime aircraft and engineering, T&E, integration, and life cycle support for ship/shore electronics. These combined capabilities are unique within the Department of Defense and ensure NAS Patuxent River’s status as an aviation leader working effectively to continue progress through the 21st century.
X-47 B at Pax River
NAVAIR Mission
To develop, deliver, and sustain Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, weapons, and systems used by our Sailors and Marines to achieve mission success. We embrace the privilege of this awesome responsibility in partnership with industry, all Naval Aviation stakeholders and our fellow Systems Commands. Visit the NAVAIR website here.
NAWCAD Mission
To be the Navy’s principal research, development, test, evaluation (RDT&E) engineering and fleet support activity for naval aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft support systems and ship/shore/air 
operations. NAWCAD provides the test and evaluation resources for life cycle test and evaluation for Naval Aviation. We support the Naval Aviation Enterprise in the development and fielding of quality aviation vehicles, weapons systems and related products for the Operating Forces. Our people, processes, facilities, resources and leadership are dedicated to satisfying the test and training requirements of the Navy program managers, fleet operators and other customers.
Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) is the most technically diverse Air Wing in Naval Aviation. Organizationally aligned under NAWCAD, and in turn Naval Air Systems Command, NTWL is composed of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero (VX-20), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Directorate (UASTD) and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS). We are the Navy's principal flight and ground test activity for the development and acquisition of aviation systems with a continual focus on war fighting requirements and solidly defensible allocation of resources. We provide aircrew and aircraft assets, maintenance support, operational and safety oversight, process, and facility support to conduct developmental test and evaluation of aviation systems. We educate testers in the processes and techniques of aircraft and systems test and evaluation. We strive to remove obstacles to squadron effectiveness and efficiency. The active-duty military members assigned to NTWL and its squadrons are fleet advocates with a continual focus on their war fighting requirements.
The Long Range Anti Ship Missile (LRSAM) and the MQ-47B are among the systems tested at NAS Pax River.
A P-8 and a P-3 over NAS Pax River
