The squadron, which conducts critical airborne Science and Technology (S&T) experimentation, is replacing its retiring fleet of NP-3C aircraft with three Beechcraft King Air 350 Extended Range (KA350ER/MC-12S) platforms.
VXS-1 serves as the Navy’s primary airborne testbed,
providing the necessary assets to facilitate advanced technology development
and field research. To maintain the continuity of this mission, the Navy has
acquired three KA350ER aircraft. The first of these, which has already
undergone required modifications, is scheduled for delivery to NAS Patuxent
River this July.
The transition process for the remaining two aircraft—serial numbers FL-450 and FL-388—is currently underway at a repair facility.
These
assets were previously utilized for U.S. Army special-mission operations.
Extensive work has already been completed to strip the prior military-specific
modifications, leaving the aircraft in a non-airworthy baseline status. The Navy
is now soliciting a contractor to finalize the restoration of these airframes
and integrate proprietary research and sensory equipment.
The forthcoming contract will be of substantial scope, requiring the selected partner to serve as the lead integrator for the squadron’s modernization efforts. Responsibilities include returning the King Airs to a functional baseline configuration, performing extensive maintenance, installing specialized S&T instrumentation, and managing the technical oversight of ground and flight testing.
The contractor will also be tasked with ensuring that both aircraft successfully complete all required safety and performance certifications before delivery to VXS-1 at NAS Patuxent River.
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