The Indiana Army National Guard has achieved a technological first by successfully demonstrating 3D printing aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. This marks a considerable milestone in military innovation, showcasing the shift towards additive manufacturing within the defense sector. The exercise used a FieldFab Expeditionary 3D Printer, developed by Craitor Inc., which is a printer designed for air turbulence, unstable temperatures, and the physical stresses of flight. During the mission, the system produced components for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as the aircraft performed tactical maneuvers.
Power for the printer was supplied by a Sentient Industries’ METEOR Quiet Tactical Power solution, which is a portable energy source built for rugged field conditions. This integration helped ensure that the printer would operate smoothly throughout the flight. The ability to maintain additive manufacturing in such an environment shows how far the technology has advanced in terms of portability and reliability.
Military leaders emphasized that this trial is about more than just novelty, as it signals a shift in how forces might sustain operations. Traditionally, supply chains can delay missions as units wait for replacement parts or specialized equipment. Printing parts mid-flight reduces this dependency and opens the door to real-time problem-solving. Soldiers could soon carry production capabilities with them, ensuring rapid adaptability in contested environments.
“This demonstration is about more than printing parts in the air, it’s about transforming how the military can sustain combat power,” said Eric Shnell, chief executive officer of Craitor Inc. He explained that the ability to fabricate precise components on demand would cut downtime, boost readiness, and provide unmatched flexibility during missions. In battlefield terms, it means troops could adapt to shifting needs without waiting for supplies to catch up.
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Limeberry, commander of the Rapid Assessment of Prototype Technology Readiness Task Force, added that this is just the beginning. “We are moving promising technologies out of the lab and into the hands of soldiers,” he said, noting that innovation like airborne 3D printing can redefine what is possible in combat support. The successful test demonstrates how quickly commercial technologies can be adapted for defense, offering new levels of agility for the U.S. military.
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*All Photo Credits: Media Magik Entertainment