From Prototype to Test

Fabrication and manufacturing resources support prototype construction, modification, and refinement between tests. Navy and partner capabilities include:

• Additive manufacturing, including polymer, metal, and resin 3D printing.
• CNC and manual milling.
• Metal cutting, forming, welding, and finishing.
• Fabrication workspaces and material-handling equipment.

Controlled environments support early-stage evaluation before teams progress to more complex field testing.

• 75,000-gallon freshwater test tank for water-based prototype testing.
• Netted indoor drone cage for contained aerial-system testing.
• 5x5 NM scalable OpBox.

Navy and partner environments support autonomous-system evaluation across air, surface, and undersea domains.

Waterfront infrastructure and coordinated support resources enable maritime test preparation, launch, recovery, and shore-side operations.

• Nine wharves supporting berthing and waterfront activities.
• Launch-and-recovery resources for uncrewed maritime systems.
• Regional expertise and contracted vessel support.
• Port services, maintenance coordination, and shore-side support.

Navy and partner locations support equipment storage, test preparation, collaborative work, and material handling.

• Storage and staging locations, including Area 805 and Oxnard Airport.
• Collaborative workspaces at the FATHOMWERX Laboratory, bringing together government, industry, and academia.
• Local marinas, wharf-based staging, and afloat storage options.
• High bays, bridge cranes, and heavy-duty forklifts.

Technical expertise and coordinated support connect test objectives with the people, systems, and operating requirements needed to execute them.

• USV command-and-control laboratory resources.
• Cross-domain command, control, and integration support.
• Instrumentation, sensors, and surveillance support.
• Surface-target coordination.
• Range safety, test planning, and execution coordination.
• Coordination of applicable airspace, public-water, and notification requirements.
• Live, virtual, and constructive test and training environments.
• Maintenance, shore, and expeditionary support.

Specific resources and activities are subject to availability, scheduling, and the access, safety, security, and approval requirements of the responsible Navy or partner organization.