The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) employs military, civilian, and contract personnel to operate test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida.
Contact NAWCAD Public Affairs at <nawcad_public_affairs@us.navy.mil>
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is expanding naval aviation’s fiber optic repair capability by 400 percent, turning a supply chain weakness into in-house Navy capability that keeps strike and patrol aircraft mission ready.
"Modern military aircraft are highly advanced digital systems, and fiber optics are a critical part of how they operate,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “Building this repair capability in-house improves readiness and keeps our aircraft on mission instead of waiting for maintenance.”
When an aircraft’s fiber optic lines are damaged, the crew cannot send or receive vital, real-time mission data. Historically, these complex cable repairs required relying on a single...
April 14, 2026. NAS Patuxent River, MD. HX-21 MH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter testing of aircraft recover sling for downed aircraft utilizing KING 02 airframe that was decommissioned after completing loads testing.
An engineer from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division inspects a component of a fiber optic assembly in the new Fiber Research and Development Lab at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The lab enables the Navy to stay ahead of emerging technology and data demands, ensuring the long-term sustainment and readiness of naval aviation platforms. (U.S. Navy photo by Jacob Moore)
