The museum collection includes the X-32A Joint Strike Fighter demonstrator, one of only two ever built.
The base at Patuxent River is known as the 'Center of Naval Aviation' due to its long-standing role in testing every new carrier-based aircraft.
The museum features an F-14D Tomcat, the final variant of the iconic 'Top Gun' fighter jet.
Several aircraft on display were previously used by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School to train the world's most elite aviators.
The museum property hosts a flight line featuring an A-6E Intruder that served during the Gulf War.
Visitors can view a T-2C Buckeye, a long-serving training aircraft that was a staple of naval flight instruction for decades.
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum preserves the history of the adjacent Naval Air Station Patuxent River, a primary center for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps flight testing. The facility houses an extensive collection of naval aircraft, including experimental prototypes and vintage jets used in developmental research. Visitors can explore indoor galleries detailing the evolution of naval aviation and aerodynamics. The outdoor flight park features a wide array of retired military aircraft accessible for close-up viewing. Educational displays highlight the engineering breakthroughs achieved at the base since its founding in 1943. The museum operates as a non-profit organization focused on STEM education and historical preservation. It serves as an official repository for artifacts related to the Naval Air Systems Command and the Test Pilot School.
The flight park ramp area, which provides the best angle for capturing the full scale of the parked aircraft against the sky.
Check the outdoor flight park weather before visiting, as exposure to heat or rain is significant.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate between the indoor hangars and the outdoor aircraft displays.
Engage with the volunteer docents, many of whom are retired engineers or pilots from the base.
Attempting to photograph sensitive or restricted areas of the neighboring active naval base.
Closed on Mondays.
