page_title: VX-23
section_title: Overview
hierarchical_section_title: VX-23 / Overview
caption_attribution_description: English: Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. (July 2002) -- An F/A-18D “Hornet” from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) releases MK-83 1000 pound bombs during a series of Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) adjacent stores release tests over the Atlantic Test Range. Tests are designed to evaluate the safe separation of various weapons when released adjacent to the ATFLIR system on the F/A-18C/D strike-fighter aircraft. U.S. Navy photo by Vernon Pugh. (RELEASED)
context_page_description: Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 is an aviation unit of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, United States. The squadron was established on 22 July 1995. Using the tail code SD, the squadron operates multiple aircraft types of the United States Navy for test and evaluation purposes.
context_section_description: VX-23 is an aircraft test squadron that conducts research, testing and evaluation of fixed wing tactical aircraft and UAV's. VX-23 provides aircraft, pilots, maintenance services, safety oversights and facility support for these operations. Their main mission is flying qualities and performance evaluations, shipboard suitability, propulsion system testing, tactical aircraft mission systems testing, ordnance compatibility and ballistics efforts, reliability and maintainability assessments, flight fidelity simulation and flight control software development. The squadron also provides Government Flight Representative, test monitoring, chase aircraft support, facilities for contractor demonstration, validation and development work involving tactical aircraft and associated systems.
caption: An VX-23 F/A-18A (BuNo 163093 'SD105') releases Mk 83 bombs over the Atlantic Test Range, July 2002.
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