NAS PATUXENT RIVER – The official opening of the new Aircraft Prototype Facility (APF) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) last week marked a milestone for increased capabilities for Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) here.

The only facility of its kind in the U.S., the APF provides the total research, development, test and evaluation package for aircraft modification in the areas of survivability, sensors, electronic warfare, weapons and low observable systems and subsystems. Matt Protzman, the deputy division head and director for the APF said the objective is to reduce mission critical gaps in these areas on current weapons platforms. Now, projects can be executed from concept design through testing at a single site.

“Opening the APF meets some of the principal goals of Secretary Gates and this administration: to maximize value for the taxpayer and – most importantly – to get needed technology to those who are in harm’s way, faster,” said the guest speaker, Rep. Steny Hoyer, who represents Maryland’s Fifth District.

“Today’s opening marks another major milestone for Pax River’s capability – one that will play a pivotal and transformational role for PAX River’s mission,” Hoyer added.

According to Vice Admiral David Architzel, commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, “The name is a bit misleading because this facility will be home to far more than just aircraft — it represents the future of rapid design and prototyping for many different systems. Our challenge is how to optimize the potential resident within this facility to reduce cycle time, cost, and schedule across myriad programs.”

As Protzman explained, the facility complements an array of existing, co-located laboratory and test facilities at the NAWCAD.

Hoyer emphasized that the APF enables NAVAIR to shorten the overall timeline. “The APF ensures that whether the platform is manned or unmanned, ground, air, or sea based, a one of a kind modification for a specific mission, or the prototype for thousands to follow, we are quickly producing what is needed and adding great value to the acquisition process.”

The two-story facility provides a secure environment in which combat vehicles, mainly aircraft, are modified with prototype equipment and systems and tested for the fleet. The $15 million project was awarded by NAVFAC Washington to J. C. Grimberg Co., Inc. on April 30, 2008 and construction began Jan. 7, 2009.

“One of our goals was to construct a quality facility meeting customer requirements,” said Cmdr. Mike Lewis, Patuxent River public works officer at NAVFAC Washington. “This goal was reached through daily inspections, weekly progress meetings and positive communication.”

In his remarks, Architzel commended those involved in making the APF a reality.

“It took a team effort from many dedicated people to get us where we are today, and consistent support throughout the years from NAVAIR and Naval Air Warfare Center leaders,” he said.

Additionally, he pointed out that the original concept dated back to 1996, but was not realized due to budget constraints. However, through the consistent efforts of key individuals at NAVAIR and with what he termed valuable endorsements from the Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Fleet Forces Command, the initiative took wings in 2007 when it became a formal venture what the Fleet Readiness Enterprise ratified the critical need for a secure environment for special programs in close proximity to other RDT&E resources.

“This facility is a testament to the words of American industrialist Henry Ford, who said: ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself,’” Architzel said.

In closing, Architzel reminded those who will work at the APF to “pause and remember – on this day, and every day going forward -- those who put themselves in harm’s way in the name of freedom. It is for them that we research, test, and fly new systems and hardware in the interest of accelerating the transition of critical technologies and delivering unique capabilities.”

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Cutline:

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., June 4 to commemorate the official opening of the new Aircraft Prototype Facility (APF). Cutting the ribbon are (from left to right): John Tressler, executive vice president of the John C. Grimberg Company, Inc.; Cdr. Mike Lewis, Naval Facilities Command Patuxent River public works officer; Vice Adm. David Architzel, commander, Naval Air Systems Command; Joe Hoeg, Ph.D., NAWCAD senior science advisor; Rep. Steny Hoyer; Chad Miller, division head, Aircraft Prototype Systems Division; Maryland Delegate John Bohanan; Maryland Sen. Roy Dyson; and Capt. Steve Schmeiser, commanding officer, NAS Patuxent River. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by Curtis Cook)