Screaming down a remote valley to hit a target with precision, banging down on a carrier deck, engaging fighters at range — VX-9 ‘Vampires’ ensures that fleet units get just what they need in terms of new ‘kit’.
IT’S NO COINCIDENCE that Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (AIRTEVRON) Nine (VX-9) is stationed alongside VX-31 at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. The two work closely together, albeit with very different mandates. VX-9 is part of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR), tasked with realistic testing and evaluation of naval aviation systems and weapons that are to be fielded to operational units.
VX-9 ‘Vampires’ specializes in providing the operational litmus test for F/A-18C/D Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers. In addition, VX-9 Det Edwards is an embedded element of the Joint Operational Test Team (JOTT) for the F-35C, although geographically separated from the main China Lake operation.
Whereas VX-31 is geared towards the developmental test (DT) side of things — working closely with various vendor engineers to ensure systems meet design specifications and are safe to fly — VX-9 is the side that plunges new ‘kit’ into stringent operational scenarios…
