Developers from the USA have created a combat drone using 3D printing
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, together with Divergent Technologies, has developed the A2LE drone. It can be launched both from an aircraft and from the ground for a variety of missions. This drone has become an example of how 3D printing can simplify and reduce the cost of manufacturing combat vehicles.
A2LE has been successfully tested at a test site in Utah. Tests have confirmed the effectiveness of 3D printing in creating drones. The developers plan to use this technology for mass production of not only UAVs but also manned aircraft.
In addition to A2LE, the company introduced the Eaglet drone, which can also be launched from other aircraft. Eaglet is designed to carry a variety of sensors and projectiles. General Atomics is working on other drone models, such as the Sparrowhawk and LongShot, which aim to make drone production mass-produced and affordable.
These developments demonstrate the potential of 3D printing in the defense industry. They can significantly accelerate production and reduce the cost of military UAVs, opening up new opportunities for using drones for military purposes.
In December, GE Aerospace demonstrated the world’s first hypersonic Dual-Mode Ramjet (DMRJ) engine using rotary detonation. This engine can provide hypersonic rockets with a longer flight range. By combining the new design with high-temperature materials, electronics, 3D printing, and thermal management technologies, the goal is to create a practical engine that can operate at speeds above Mach 5 and below Mach 3.
