Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, Aviation museum in Lexington Park, United States.
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum displays about 25 naval aircraft, wind tunnel models, missiles, and technology exhibits arranged in both indoor halls and outdoor areas. The collection includes experimental aircraft and concept demonstrators that were tested at this facility.
The museum was founded in 1975 and documents the evolution of naval aviation from World War II era through modern test programs. The exhibits show how aviation technology developed and changed across multiple decades.
The museum tells stories of test pilots and their contributions to naval aviation, showing how this work shaped modern military flight. Visitors learn about the people behind the machines and the risks they took to advance aviation technology.
The museum is housed in a facility that is easy to navigate, with exhibits spread across both indoor halls and outdoor areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore both sections, especially if they want to examine the aircraft and test models in detail.
The museum displays mockups and demonstrators of experimental aircraft such as the X-47A Pegasus and Joint Strike Fighter concepts that were actually tested at this location. This direct connection between the test facility and the exhibits gives the place a unique historical continuity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.