Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine
History
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) is a U.S. Navy unit that was established in 1994. The squadron was formed by merging two existing units, the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Five (VX-5) and the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4). The new unit was tasked with the mission of testing and evaluating both new and existing aircraft and weapons systems.
The squadron's history dates back to the early days of jet aviation, when the U.S. Navy recognized the need for dedicated units to test and evaluate new aircraft and weapons systems. VX-5 was established in 1951 at Naval Air Station (NAS) China Lake, California, and VX-4 was established in 1952 at NAS Point Mugu, California. Both units played crucial roles in the development and testing of numerous aircraft and weapons systems over the decades.
Mission
The primary mission of VX-9 is to conduct operational test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons systems. This involves a wide range of activities, from initial concept development and early design reviews, through prototype testing, to final operational testing and evaluation. The squadron's work is critical to ensuring that new aircraft and weapons systems are safe, effective, and suitable for their intended operational use.
VX-9 is also responsible for developing and validating tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of new systems. This involves working closely with other units and organizations, including the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC).
Organization
VX-9 is headquartered at NAS China Lake, with additional detachments at NAS Point Mugu and NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The squadron is part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), which is a component of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The squadron is organized into several departments, each responsible for a specific area of testing and evaluation. These include the Operations Department, the Maintenance Department, the Safety Department, the Quality Assurance Department, and the Administration Department.
Aircraft and Weapons Systems
Over the years, VX-9 has tested and evaluated a wide range of aircraft and weapons systems. These have included various models of the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-14 Tomcat, the EA-6B Prowler, the AV-8B Harrier II, and the F-35 Lightning II, among others.
The squadron has also tested and evaluated numerous weapons systems, including various types of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and other munitions. This work has involved extensive testing of both the weapons themselves and the aircraft systems used to deliver them.