Camp Atterbury hosts exercise with historic 3d printing flight

Military officials say that a recent exercise at Camp Atterbury led to a new first: 3d printing aboard an in-flight combat aircraft.

According to the Indiana National Guard, the tactical 3d printing happened aboard a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during the Technology and Readiness Experimentation, or T-REX, exercise held in August. The printing system produced parts for unmanned aerial units while the helicopter performed tactical maneuvers at altitude. The military says that the parts came out of production able to meet original equipment manufacturer specifications.

The T-REX 25-2 exercise was held at Camp Atterbury and Franklin. It brought together soldiers, researchers and industry partners to stress-test emerging technologies.

Military officials say that the successful trial means that rather than having to rely on long supply chains, military forces could soon design and produce replacement parts and equipment closer to the tactical edge.