The 432nd Wing at Creech Air Power Base has built-in Bambu Lab 3D printers into its MQ-9 Reaper navy drone upkeep coaching. The Clark County, Nevada US Air Power (USAF) set up just lately added two X1 Carbon desktop FDM programs to a brand new on-site additive manufacturing facility.
Over 800 upkeep personnel from the 432nd Wing, referred to as the “Hunters,” are stationed at Creech Air Power Base and different areas worldwide. On the 3.6-square-mile facility, they’re liable for sustaining and working MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned fight aerial automobiles (UCAVs). The group will reportedly use its new know-how to treatment MQ-9 spare components shortages, which have beforehand brought about monetary and logistics challenges that negatively impacted coaching.
In an official press launch, Creech Air Power Base claimed that the “way forward for 3D printing throughout the navy presents many groundbreaking functions.” Use-cases embrace diagnosing plane injury and 3D printing substitute components on the level of want. That is mentioned to streamline upkeep choices with “minimized downtime.”
Kennon Nichols, supervisor for the MQ-9 Air Power Engineering and Technical Companies (AFETS) group, was reportedly vital in getting the 3D printing undertaking off the bottom. Working alongside Col. Joseph Deporter, 432nd Upkeep Group commander, Nichols secured funding for the bottom’s new capabilities. He has additionally helped design some spare components required for MQ-9 upkeep coaching.
“You need to discover modern methods to beat obstacles by considering exterior the field,” Nichols said. “Our group, together with Col. Deporter labored arduous to discover a resolution to the issue with the spirit of innovation.” Deported added that the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D printers will permit the bottom’s maintainers to “be taught their craft at a better degree.”
3D printing MQ-9 Reaper drone components
Creech Air Power Base’s 3D printing undertaking confronted some preliminary points that delayed the undertaking’s launch. Regardless of this, it formally rolled out the brand new 3D printing capabilities in December final yr.
Remington Younger, an MQ-9 AFETS specialist in airframe propulsion and era tools, performed a key function in developing the brand new additive manufacturing facility. He additionally oversees and mentors engineers working the Bambu Lab programs.
An Air Power veteran with an plane upkeep background, Younger acquired his first 3D printer as a Christmas current in 2016. He believes Creech’s new capabilities have the potential to avoid wasting each lives and cash throughout operations. The know-how “takes what was a $10,000 greenback half up to now and permits it to be printed at high-speed for $15. It’s the longer term,” Younger added.
One other key determine in 432nd Wing’s new initiative is Eric Pavelka. The MQ-9 Avionics senior tools specialist coordinates all 3D printing tasks on the bottom. He’s additionally liable for managing the services stock and format, making certain required parts are available throughout upkeep coaching.
“There are a variety of guidelines relating to cash and what we’re truly capable of buy, however all of us got here to the consensus of a official want for printers as a result of we may see the added advantages that it could present for all of our coaching,” defined Pavelka.
Additive manufacturing for protection
The US Division of Protection is more and more investing in additive manufacturing to strengthen home provide chains and restock depleting inventories.
That is notably true for remotely piloted navy drones. Earlier this month, San Diego-based drone producer Firestorm Labs acquired a $100 million USAF contract to help the event and procurement of 3D printed Unmanned Aerial Automobiles.
Leveraging its additive manufacturing know-how, Firestorm goals to deal with operational wants in fight environments impacted by fragmented provide chains. Its strategy facilities on scalability and fast deployment. The corporate’s xCell, semi-automated 3D printing unit unlocks localized manufacturing close to the entrance traces, decreasing reliance on centralized manufacturing hubs and slicing lead instances.
2025 has additionally seen Alabama-based aerospace and protection producer Cummings Aerospace full flight trials for its 3D printed turbojet-powered loitering munition. The corporate’s Hellhound S3 is a kamikaze drone designed to ship long-range, precision strikes towards automobiles, tanks, and fortified positions.
Cummings’ munition was developed to equip the US Military’s Infantry Brigade Fight Groups (IBCTs) with moveable fight energy equal to an Armored Brigade. Weighing beneath 25 kilos, the car, launch canister, and floor management system provide lethal fireplace and neglect capabilities for particular person troopers working on the entrance traces.
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Featured picture exhibits Erik Pavelka working a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D printer at Creech Air Power Base. Picture through US Air Power/Renee Blundon.
