About Us

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst is the world leader in Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) and Naval Aviation Support Equipment (SE). It is part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and is located on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) in central New Jersey.

As the Navy’s lead engineering support activity for ALRE and SE, NAWCAD Lakehurst conducts programs of acquisition management, technology development, systems integration, engineering, rapid prototyping / manufacturing, developmental evaluation and verification, fleet engineering support and integrated logistics support management. NAWCAD Lakehurst is responsible for maintaining fleet support and infusing modern technology across the entire spectrum of equipment needed to launch, land and maintain aircraft from ships at sea and austere expeditionary airfields.

Mission

To design, develop, procure, test, manufacture, field, and sustain mission-ready Naval Aviation Support Equipment (SE) and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) that can be safely, effectively, and efficiently operated and maintained by our warfighters and allied partners

Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment:

• Catapults/launching systems, including jet blast deflectors
• Arresting gear
• Visual landing aids
• Information systems
• Expeditionary air fields

Support Equipment:

• Avionics, including advanced diagnostics
• Aircraft handling, servicing and maintenance
• Propulsion
• Maintenance information systems
• Weapons handling equipment