The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) plans to ramp up production of 3D-printed drones for the US Army.
This is part of the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative, introducing new technologies directly into operational environments for field testing and evaluation.
The program’s goal is to gather direct feedback from soldiers and assess the drones’ technical and operational capabilities under real operational conditions.
RIA-JMTC will work with field units and Combat Training Centers to collect data and share operational insights, collaborating with the Tobyhanna Army Depot to install electronics, sensors, and internal systems.
Moreover, RIA-JMTC is compiling Technical Data Packages from the army to define drone types and quantities needed for future operations to outline specifications and requirements and guide production planning accordingly.
“As the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated, the battlefield of the future will be defined by the innovative and widespread use of unmanned aerial systems,” stated the US Army.
Therefore, enabling fast, large-scale production and deployment of drones “will be crucial to maintaining a tactical advantage in future conflicts,” it added.
3D Printing Developments
US forces and the defense industry are increasingly relying on 3D printing to speed up production and simplify logistics for drones and other military equipment.
Earlier this month, the US military launched a new research lab in Illinois to develop 3D printing of large vehicle parts, aiming to accelerate production and replacement processes.
In April, the US Army signed a $6.1-million deal with 3dB Labs to develop and test a system that provides electromagnetic spectrum situational awareness for combat units.
Last year, the US Air Force showcased its ability to design, print, and launch 3D-printed drones in under 24 hours at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
The team assembled six drones in 22.5 hours, including a lightweight system built for personnel recovery, advancing efforts to support fast, flexible operations in contested zones.
