AIR DEVELOPMENT SQUADRON FIVE (VX-5)

“Vampires”

VX-5 A4D-1 "Skyhawk"

In 1943, adequate facilities were needed for test and evaluation of rockets being developed for the Navy. At the same time, the Navy also needed a new proving ground for all aviation ordnance. The Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) was established in response to those needs in November 1943, forming the foundations of NWC. The NOTS mission was defined as a station having for its primary function the research, development and testing of weapons, and having additional function of furnishing primary training in the use of such weapons." Testing began at China lake within less than a month of the Station's formal establishment, and by mid-1945 NOTS' aviation assets were transferred to the new Armitage Field at the China Lake site.

The vast, sparsely populated desert around China Lake and Inyokern, with near-perfect flying weather year-round and practically unlimited visibility, proved an ideal location not only for T&E activities, but also for a complete R&D establishment. Air-launched rockets, solid propellants, fire-control systems, and rocket and guided missile T&E were NOTS' primary areas of effort in the 1940s, and in the late 1940s, NOTS began research on fire-control systems that evolved into the concept of the Sidewinder guided missile.

Air Development Squadron FIVE (VX-5), was commissioned on 18 June 1951 at Naval Air Station Moffett Field, California with 15 officers, 100 enlisted men, and nine AD Skyraider aircraft. The Squadron was assigned to develop and evaluate aircraft tactics and techniques for delivery of airborne special weapons. In July 1956 VX-5 moved to the Naval Air Facility, China Lake, California, as an independent tenant command because of the availability of vastly improved ranges and instrumentation facilities.




  Secret City - A history of the Navy at China Lake

  Sidewinder Missile History

  VX-5 Photos

Bill's Page  |  Anne's Page  |  Boomer's Page  |  Cody's Page  |  Visit Our Home 

Navy Page  |  Navy Chief  |  CPO Creed  |  Shore Duty  |  Sea Duty 

British Page  |  Past Page  |  Photo Album  |  Favorite Getaways 

Favorite Places  |  Trip Photos  |  Links