Officially Licensed US Navy VX-9 Vampires Patch — Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine Embroidered Patch
Vampires — testing the weapons that win wars.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) "Vampires" is the United States Navy's premier operational test and evaluation squadron, based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California. The Vampires are responsible for testing and evaluating every air-launched weapon, sensor, electronic warfare system, and tactical software update before it reaches the fleet, making VX-9 the critical gateway between defense industry development and operational deployment.
VX-9 operates a diverse fleet of tactical aircraft including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and MH-60S/R Seahawks, using these platforms to conduct rigorous operational testing of weapons and systems under realistic combat conditions. The Vampires fire live weapons, test new sensors against electronic warfare threats, evaluate software upgrades, and write the tactical manuals that fleet squadrons use in combat. China Lake's vast weapons ranges — encompassing over 1.1 million acres of restricted airspace — provide the perfect environment for testing everything from precision-guided munitions to advanced electronic countermeasures. Every bomb, missile, and sensor that reaches a fleet squadron has passed through VX-9's exacting evaluation process.
This patch represents the Navy's ultimate weapons testers.
Perfect For: VX-9 Vampires personnel, naval weapons test and evaluation professionals, China Lake community members, and tactical aviation enthusiasts.
Testing the edge — VX-9 Vampires.
