RAF jets fly with 3D printed parts

[MigBuster 2,884]

RAF Tornado fighter jets have flown with parts made using 3D printing technology for the first time, defence company BAE Systems has said.

The metal components were used in test flights from the firm's airfield at Warton, Lancashire, late last month.

The parts include protective covers for cockpit radios and guards for power take-off shafts.

It is hoped the technology could cut the RAF's maintenance and service bill by over £1.2m over the next four years.

BAE engineers are producing the parts for four squadrons of Tornado GR4 aircraft at RAF Marham in Norfolk - with some parts costing less than £100.

Mike Murray, head of airframe integration at BAE Systems, said: "You are suddenly not fixed in terms of where you have to manufacture these things. You can manufacture the products at whatever base you want, providing you can get a machine there, which means you can also start to support other platforms such as ships and aircraft carriers.

"And if it's feasible to get machines out on the front line, it also gives improved capability where we wouldn't traditionally have any manufacturing support."

3D printing - which has been hailed as the future of manufacturing - works by building up layer upon layer of material to build complex solid objects.

In September, US space agency Nasa announced that it is planning to launch a 3D printer into space in 2014 for the first time to help astronauts manufacture spare parts and tools in zero gravity.

It is thought it could help reduce the costs of future missions.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25613828

[+whiteknight06604 935]

hmmm this sort of thing could keep a lot of military hardware going in countries that have embargoes on them.

this could be very useful at sea. where instead of trying to stock every part you think you will need, you could just stock generic raw materials and print the parts as needed. Same in a space environment. Hate to sound overly optimistic but this could be a game changer as the tech matures.

[JediMaster 451]

It depends on the strength and durability of the parts, of course. Sure, it may fit and work fine sitting on a ramp, but in combat under g loads it's a different story. Only time and extensive testing will tell.