On The Cover

0 Comments | Naval Aviation News, May, 2001

The U.S. Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron, NAS Patuxent River, Md., recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The squadron commissioned this Aerocature [TM] by Hank Caruso to commemorate its hundreds of test programs used in the development of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, systems and flight procedures over the years. Included in this fly-by: 1) CH-53E Super Stallion with two underslung humvees; 2) SH-60F Seahawk during dipping sonar and laser sensor evaluation; 3) MH-53E Sea Dragon with minesweeping sled; 4) Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin; 5) TH-57C Sea Ranger flying photo chase; 6) Skyship 500/600; 7) UH-1N "Huey" undergoing door armament testing; 8) AH-1W Sea Cobra gunning for mines; 9) MH-605 Seahawk during underslung load envelope expansion; 10) SH-3H Sea King testing dipping sonar; 11) NVH-3A Sea King executive transport; 12) CH-46E Sea Knight undergoing load and night-vision goggles testing; 13) NSH-60B Seahawk during high gross weight tests; 14) SH-60R Seahawk undergoing stores testing; 15) MV-22 Osprey prototype; 16) Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk; 17) SH-2F Seasprite; 18) SH-60B Seahawk test firing Hellfire missile; and 19) Fire Scout VTUAV (vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle). Pax River's trademark Cedar Point Lighthouse is in the background.

To obtain a copy of this print, contact Public Affairs Officer, Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron, 301-342-1762; DSN 342-1762. Artwork (c) Hank Caruso.