101st Airborne Division takes flight with 3D printed drones

The 101st Airborne Division is using 3D-printed drones for training, enhancing versatility, cost-efficiency, and tactical innovation.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is pioneering the use of 3D-printed small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) at Fort Campbell's EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center. This initiative, in collaboration with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), aims to produce 100 versatile, durable, and cost-effective drones for the upcoming Operation Lethal Eagle, a 21-day training exercise. Col. Travis McIntosh emphasized that this effort reshapes the sUAS enterprise at the tactical level, impacting airworthiness, parts ordering, fielding, and training. Capt. Andrew Blomquist noted positive feedback from Soldiers experienced with previously fielded sUAS, highlighting the improved performance of the 3D-printed models.

Source: army.mil