Element U.S. Space & Defense Facilitates Weaponized UUV Testing in Rustburg, VA to Accelerate Mission-Critical Underwater Systems for U.S. Defense Missions

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RUSTBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 24, 2025--

Element U.S. Space & Defense, a leader in naval and defense testing, announced the successful test of Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC ’s Angler 2.0 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). The test was conducted at Element U.S. Space & Defense’s testing facility in Rustburg, Virginia, which features a deep freshwater quarry that is uniquely equipped to support the rigorous testing of complex underwater systems, advanced sensor arrays, and explosive systems for U.S. defense and national security missions.

The facility recently demonstrated its technical expertise by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Angler 2’s core functions. Being strategically located by a quarry lake allowed for heavyweight metal fabrication, crane lifting for targets and mooring, energetics storage, and climate-controlled rooms for assembly, meetings, and remote-control operations.

“Testing weaponized UUV’s in our quarry is a great demonstration of the unique capabilities of the Rustburg laboratory and a testament to the versatility of our team. We are excited to see how Element U.S. Space & Defense will continue to be a dedicated testing partner to the U.S. government and industrial base,” said John Granier, PhD., Chief Engineer of Munitions & Energetics at Element U.S. Space & Defense.

As a Naval Sea Systems Command Shock Certified test center, Element U.S. Space & Defense’s Rustburg laboratory is set up to provide a secure, controlled, and realistic environment for testing and evaluating critical technologies. Key capabilities include a deep-water quarry for comprehensive mobility and systems testing, heavyweight and lightweight shock testing, a Medium Weight Deck Simulation Shock Machine (DSSM), and on-site engineering support that ensures that customers can conduct testing with precision, safety, and efficiency. This allows industry partners to move seamlessly from prototype assembly to full-scale systems evaluation in a single, secure location.

To learn more about Element U.S. Space & Defense’s award-winning test and engineering services, please visit www.elementdefense.com.

About Element U.S. Space & Defense: Element U.S. Space & Defense, (formerly NTS Technical Systems) stands at the forefront of testing innovation, as a trusted government testing partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. Today, Element U.S. Space & Defense brings more than 60 years of experience and expertise in navigating the most complex projects and programs in the world. From centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover, vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), or environmental simulations for next-generation missiles, Element U.S. Space & Defense is the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation. Visit www.elementdefense.com or call 833-673-8773 to learn more.

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CONTACT: Media Contact:

Michelle Choi

[email protected]

657-286-9444

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA VIRGINIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENGINEERING DEFENSE MANUFACTURING MILITARY GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY OTHER MANUFACTURING OTHER DEFENSE

SOURCE: Element U.S. Space & Defense

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PUB: 09/24/2025 11:00 AM/DISC: 09/24/2025 10:59 AM

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