The US Air Force has successfully demonstrated the assembly and deploying of a 3D printed drone within an incredibly short 24-hour window. This feat, in partnership with , in collaboration with Titan Dynamics, was realized as part of the Blue Horizons fellowship initiative.
The project, known as Black Phoenix, highlights the Air Force’s commitment to fostering unique problem-solving approaches. By harnessing the power of 3D printing, the team was able to swiftly fabricate the aerodynamic body parts of the drones. What’s truly remarkable is the utilization of Titan’s automated design software, which enabled the creation of intricate body designs in under 10 minutes.
During the week-long Black Phoenix project, held at Eglin Air Force Base’s B-70 range in Florida, the team successfully assembled six drones, including an 8-pound personnel recovery system, ahead of launch. This rapid deployment capability holds immense promise for scenarios requiring swift aerial reconnaissance or supply distribution behind enemy lines.
Furthermore, the method developed by the Air Force Center for Strategy and Technology’s Blue Horizons think-tank promotes unconventional strategies to address tactical requirements effectively. Among the participating groups, the Black Phoenix crew, in collaboration with Titan Dynamics, demonstrated the cost-effectiveness and rapidity of UAS design and development.
Despite encountering challenges during trial flights, including successful flights and crashes, the drones’ payload and internal autonomy hardware remained unaffected. The agency reports that the building and redeployment of the outer UAS structure only required a modest investment of $20 to $50 per reprint, proving the financial viability of this approach.
Source: executivegov.com