VXS-1
Encyclopedia
Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) is a U.S. Navy military support squadron that conducts numerous single-aircraft deployments around the world in support of a wide range of scientific research projects.
aircraft, over 200 unmanned aerial systems and an American Blimp Corporation
Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) airship (MZ-3A
) transferred to VXS-1, January 2010.
Located onboard the Naval Air Station Patuxent River
, Maryland, VXS-1 is responsible for the training, qualifications, and proficiency of all assigned personnel, as well as the maintenance of the research aircraft, and detachment coordination.
on the Antarctic
continent. The mission purpose was the evaluation of spatial variability
to fully assess how accurately sea ice parameters can be derived based on a study of new ice emissivity
, heat, and salinity fluxes over coastal waters and a determination of precise locations of ice edges.
2006 - VXS-1 flew the “Rampant Lion I” survey conducted by Naval Research Laboratory and U. S. Geological Survey scientists as part of an integrated remote sensing
survey, mapping approximately two-thirds of the country of Afghanistan
.
2008 - The team flew “Rampant Lion II.” Built on data obtained in 2006, the team’s modified NP-3D Orion aircraft assisted scientists with a dual focus — developing advanced geospatial
collection; and analysis techniques to support the warfighter and economic infrastructure development in Afghanistan.
Mission statement
To provide heavy lift aircraft capable of supporting scientific research projects around the world for Naval Research Laboratory, Department of the Navy, U.S. Department of Defense activities, as well as other U. S. government agencies that contribute to Naval Research.History
Formerly known as Flight Support Detachment, Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) was established December 13, 2004, as commissioned by the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Notice 5450.Fleet Operations
Manned by Navy officers, enlisted sailors and government and private civilian personnel, the squadron is responsible for the maintenance and security of three uniquely configured NP-3D Orion turboprop research aircraft, two Beechcraft Super King Air RC-12C-12 Huron
The C-12 Huron is the military designation for a series of twin-engine turboprop aircraft based on the Beechcraft Super King Air and Beechcraft 1900. C-12 variants are used by the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps...
aircraft, over 200 unmanned aerial systems and an American Blimp Corporation
American Blimp Corporation
-External links:** of ABC's Lightship Group subsidiary...
Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) airship (MZ-3A
American Blimp MZ-3
The MZ-3A is a blimp owned by the United States Navy since 2006.It is a modified American Blimp Corporation A-170 series commercial blimp and given the USN type/model/series designation MZ-3A and Bureau Number 167811...
) transferred to VXS-1, January 2010.
Located onboard the Naval Air Station Patuxent River
Naval Air Station Patuxent River
"Pax River" redirects here. For the river, see Patuxent River.Naval Air Station Patuxent River , also known as NAS Pax River, is a United States Naval Air Station located in St. Mary's County, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Patuxent River. It is home to the U.S...
, Maryland, VXS-1 is responsible for the training, qualifications, and proficiency of all assigned personnel, as well as the maintenance of the research aircraft, and detachment coordination.
Notable Missions
2004 - The Detachment supported the Antarctic Sea Ice Campaign, flying missions in and around what was formerly known as the Palmer PeninsulaAntarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica. It extends from a line between Cape Adams and a point on the mainland south of Eklund Islands....
on the Antarctic
Antarctic
The Antarctic is the region around the Earth's South Pole, opposite the Arctic region around the North Pole. The Antarctic comprises the continent of Antarctica and the ice shelves, waters and island territories in the Southern Ocean situated south of the Antarctic Convergence...
continent. The mission purpose was the evaluation of spatial variability
Spatial variability
Spatial variability occurs when a quantity that is measured at different spatial locations exhibits values that differ across the locations. Spatial variability can be assessed using spatial descriptive statistics such as the range.- References :...
to fully assess how accurately sea ice parameters can be derived based on a study of new ice emissivity
Emissivity
The emissivity of a material is the relative ability of its surface to emit energy by radiation. It is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature...
, heat, and salinity fluxes over coastal waters and a determination of precise locations of ice edges.
2006 - VXS-1 flew the “Rampant Lion I” survey conducted by Naval Research Laboratory and U. S. Geological Survey scientists as part of an integrated remote sensing
Remote sensing
Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon, without making physical contact with the object. In modern usage, the term generally refers to the use of aerial sensor technologies to detect and classify objects on Earth by means of propagated signals Remote sensing...
survey, mapping approximately two-thirds of the country of Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
.
2008 - The team flew “Rampant Lion II.” Built on data obtained in 2006, the team’s modified NP-3D Orion aircraft assisted scientists with a dual focus — developing advanced geospatial
Geospatial
Geospatial analysis is an approach to applying statistical analysis and other informational techniques to geographically based data. Such analysis employs spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic datasets, including geographic information systems and...
collection; and analysis techniques to support the warfighter and economic infrastructure development in Afghanistan.