On January 23, 2025, according to the Resource database, the United States 101st air division recently announced the launch of a daring innovation plan aimed at innovating the manufacturing process of military drones thanks to 3D printing technology. This plan is not only a breakthrough at the technical level, but also an important experience to meet future needs on the battlefield, laying the foundations for the next training exercise at the “Operation Deadly Eagle” division.
From parts to tactics: redefine UAV systems
Currently, the 101st airborne division has started 3D printing of small unmanned air vehicle systems (Suas) at the Eaglewerx Center for Applied Tactical Innovation in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Colonel Travis McIntosh, deputy commander of the 101st aviation battalion, said: “It’s not just printing parts, but to redefine the small drone system from a tactical level”.
Higher adaptability and lower cost
This drone manufacturing plan is the result of joint cooperation between the 101st airborne division and the 5th special forces (Airborne). According to the real needs of soldiers, the new generation of drones must have versatility, sustainability and higher consumption. The Eaglewerx team built 100 Suas devices via 3D printing technology and bought corresponding soil consoles. It is indicated that this approach considerably reduces costs compared to traditional supply, leaving the unit price only a small part of the standard version of the drone.
High intensity exercise of 21 days: test the practical drone combat capacities
The Deadly Eagle operation is a rigorous 21 -day training exercise with the central goal of creating a prototype framework adapted to the future battlefield of the army and to improve the practical capacities of soldiers in the long -range air assault (L2A2). It is reported that many people involved in the project, including the officers and soldiers of the 101ST Airborne Division and the second combat team of the mobile brigade, are full of expectations for the potential of drones printed in 3D. Captain Andrew Bromquist, responsible for the innovation for the second mobile brigade, noted: “We have made several contacts, demonstrations and flight tests.
Pave the way for the next phase of the exercise: head for wider applications
It is reported that the experimental project of the 101st Airborne Division will continue to progress to prepare for the next major exercise to take place at the combat training center for combat in Fort Johnson, in Louisiana. This innovative project shows that 3D printing technology becomes an important boost for the modernization of the American army, especially in key equipment fields such as drones.
In the future, with the subsequent development of 3D printing technology, we may see more similar application scenarios, thus injecting new impetus into the modernization of national defense.
