On January 23, 2025, according to the Resource Library, the US 101st Airborne Division recently announced the launch of a bold innovation plan to innovate the manufacturing process of military drones using 3D printing technology. This plan is not only a technical breakthrough, but also an important experience for future battlefield needs, laying the foundation for the upcoming division-level training exercise “Operation Deadly Eagle”.
From Parts to Tactics: Redefining Unmanned Aerial Systems
Currently, the 101st Airborne Division has begun 3D printing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) at the EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Col. Travis McIntosh, deputy commander of the 101st Aviation Battalion, said: “This is not just about printing parts, but redefining small unmanned aerial systems at a tactical level. He further emphasized that this technology. The innovations will have a profound impact on.” unmanned aerial systems across the force, including airworthiness assessments, parts ordering processes, deployment and Soldier training.
Greater adaptability and reduced costs
This drone manufacturing plan is the result of joint cooperation between the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Based on the real needs of soldiers, the new generation of drones must be more versatile, durable and consumable. The EagleWerx team manufactured 100 sUAS devices using 3D printing technology and purchased corresponding ground consoles. It has been reported that compared to traditional procurement, this method significantly reduces costs, making the unit price only a fraction of that of a standard version of a drone.
21-day high-intensity exercise: testing real-world combat capabilities of drones
“Operation Deadly Eagle” is a rigorous 21-day training exercise. Its main goal is to create a prototype suitable for the army’s future battlefield and improve the real combat capabilities of soldiers in long-range air assault (L2A2). It appears that many involved in the project, including officers and soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd Mobile Combat Brigade, have high expectations for the potential of 3D printed drones. Capt. Andrew Blomquist, 2nd Mobility Brigade innovation manager, said, “We have conducted several Soldier engagements, demonstrations and flight tests. Luckily, we received some great user feedback, especially from one user who had overused it. Soldiers who own drones are amazed by the performance of this system.
Paving the way for the next phase of the exercise: towards broader applications
It is reported that the experimental project of the 101st Airborne Division will continue to advance in preparation for the next phase of major exercises to be held at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Johnson, Louisiana. This innovative project shows that 3D printing technology is becoming an important driver of the modernization and transformation of the US military, particularly in the area of key equipment such as drones.
In the future, with the development of 3D printing technology, we may see more similar application scenarios, bringing new impetus to the modernization of national defense.
