Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) - Aircraft Division - Patuxent River

The Surface/Aviation Interoperability Laboratory (SAIL) is a unique, world-class facility that offers hardware-in-the-loop and operator-in-the-loop capabilities. Live evaluations and exercises are conducted in the Atlantic Test Range, virtually through local or distributed synthetic warfare environments, or in a hybrid of the two by working with aircraft in-flight, on the deck, and in the NAVAIR chambers. SAIL has three shipboard combat system suites, the FFG, DDG and CVN. These three platforms communicate through voice and data links with aircraft for test and evaluation of the aircraft systems, shipboard systems and the interface between them. The facility provides programs with an up front and early exposure to deployed naval systems and capabilities that foster risk reduction and cost efficiency for customers. SAIL offers flexible scheduling and availability for all customers ensuring that systems are tested and are fleet ready. This lab also offers a full complement of military HF/VHF/UHF and SATCOM communications. In addition, this facility also supports, Common Datalink (CDL) testing, Tactical Datalink (TDL) testing, Acoustics, radar, ESM, FLIR, MAD Stimulation, and Distributed engineering plant (DEP) node. The SAIL provides managed scientific control of both the systems and the environment under which systems are tested allowing for consistency during testing. The Engineers and Scientists at SAIL bring over 230 years of experience working with acquisition programs and test commands such as, Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), Navy Center for Tactical Systems Interoperability (NCTSI) and Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR). In order to meet customer T&E requirements, the SAIL has access to many DoD networks, such as DREN, SDREN, DISN-LES, and SIPRNET. SAIL offers a full complement of military HF/VHF/UHF and SATCOM communications.

Completed in 1954, the TC-7 steam catapult is operated and maintained by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23). This underground installation accommodates structural tests and aircraft/catapult compatibility studies with all models of carrier aircraft in the US Navy. Due to limited deck space aboard an aircraft carrier, launch equipment is required to shorten the aircraft takeoff distance. The TC-7 catapult is a linear piston-type steam engine used to launch airplanes up to 85,000 pounds gross weight and attain launch endspeeds in excess of 200 mph. Despite its age, the TC-7 has gone through continuous upgrades and is representative of the steam catapults used on today's aircraft carriers. The primary use of the TC-7 catapult is to ensure the aircraft systems remain functional and the aircraft structure can withstand the loads imparted during the catapult launch.

The Thermal Analysis lab supportsevaluation and qualification of commercial materials, repair, and Engineering Investigations. Asset list: Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Thermogravimetric Analyzer Thermomechanical Analyzer Rheometer ARES-RDA

The Variable Attitude Test Stand designed and built for testing of the V-22 tilt rotor aircraft propulsion system, is used to evaluate the effect of aircraft flight attitudes on the bearings and lubrication system of a propulsion system. The test stand can subject an operating engine to a wide range of fixed or continuously varying pitch and roll attitudes. This is one of the few test facilities in the world where full size rotors or propellers can be evaluated with the associated gearboxes and other airframe unique systems. In addition to propeller engines, turbojet/fan engines can be tested on this facility. This facility has been used for development and for FAA certification testing. Test stand capabilities: Pitch 105 degrees nose up and 60 degrees nose down Role +/- 60 degrees Thrust loads up to 50,000 pounds Engine is mounted 30 feet above ground level