• Home
  • News
    • Global Operations
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Industry
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
    • Special Interest
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
  • Market
    • Coming Soon
  • Intelligence
    • Job Board
    • Events
    • Contract Awards
    • USMC Deception Manual
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • News
    • Global Operations
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Industry
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
    • Special Interest
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
  • Market
    • Coming Soon
  • Intelligence
    • Job Board
    • Events
    • Contract Awards
    • USMC Deception Manual
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Privacy Policy
Login
Join Free
Home
Asia
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Asia
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Asia
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Coming Soon
Job Board
Events
Contact Awards
USMC Deception Manual
Login
Join Free
Home Special Interest North America Special Interest

Navy Tests Drone and 3D Printing Innovations During RIMPAC 2024

  • Editor Staff
  • July 9, 2024
U.S. Navy Lt. Joel Hunter of Combat Logistics Company 33, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, presents a speed cell post-processing unit to reporters while highlighting new technology and logistics capabilities at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dezmond Browning)
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterLinkedIn

The U.S. Navy is advancing its integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and 3D printing technologies to enhance logistical support and operational capabilities. These initiatives were recently tested during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, held in the waters around Hawaii.

As part of RIMPAC, the Navy assessed the use of drones to deliver critical supplies to the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by manning shortages and the high costs associated with manned aircraft deliveries. From June 19 to June 24, the Curtis Wilbur conducted flight tests using the Skyways V2.6 and PteroDynamics X-P4 unmanned aerial systems. The tests, part of the Just In Time Delivery logistics effort with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, involved launching and recovering six drones.

Cmdr. Yilei Liu, commanding officer of the Curtis Wilbur, emphasized the importance of these experiments, stating, “The Navy continues to drive rapid experimentation and implementation of new technologies. It is vital to evaluate these technologies in different environmental conditions to define and scope the operating envelopes of these highly capable platforms.”

In a parallel effort, the Navy is exploring the use of 3D printing to shorten the supply chain for crucial parts. During RIMPAC, media were invited to Marine Corps Base Hawaii to see 3D printers in action, producing parts made of metal and polymer. Patrick Tucker, a contractor working with the Naval Postgraduate School, explained that the experiment follows a “cradle-to-grave” approach, identifying readiness problems, designing parts, and using both polymer and metal printers to produce final components.

The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific oversees this 3D printing initiative. Tucker noted, “I don’t really think there’s been something like this done yet with the [Department of Defense].” This project aims to drastically reduce the time needed to produce and deliver parts, enhancing the operational readiness of Navy vessels.

The exercise shows the importance of integrating autonomous platforms into existing systems to define the future of combat operations. Liu highlighted, “Once tested, autonomous systems can provide independent defensive and offensive capabilities in a contested environment. These systems can perform potentially dangerous, high-risk evolutions with maximum efficiency and minimal risk to personnel.”

 

Expanded Coverage:

Defense News

Stripes

UK Defence Journal

Editor Staff

Editor Staff

The Editor Staff at SOFX comprises a diverse, global team of dedicated staff writers and skilled freelancers. Together, they form the backbone of our reporting and content creation.

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
ADVERTISEMENT

Trending News

Mossad Executed Massive Covert Operation to Paralyze Iran’s Air Defenses and Missile Capabilities

Mossad Executed Massive Covert Operation to Paralyze Iran’s Air Defenses and Missile Capabilities

by Editor Staff
June 16, 2025
0

Note: This report was last updated as of 4 p.m. EDT, June 13, 2025. Things are still actively unfolding. For...

Israel Hits Centrifuge Facility and Missile Sites in Tehran Amid Ongoing Air Campaign

Israel Hits Centrifuge Facility and Missile Sites in Tehran Amid Ongoing Air Campaign

by Editor Staff
June 19, 2025
0

Israeli fighter jets struck key nuclear and military sites across Iran, including a centrifuge production facility in Tehran that Israeli...

Video Shows Russian Jet Destroyed Mid Air by Its Own Wingman in Ukraine

Video Shows Russian Jet Destroyed Mid Air by Its Own Wingman in Ukraine

by Editor Staff
June 16, 2025
0

A Russian Su-25 “Frogfoot” ground-attack aircraft was shot down Friday over Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast in what multiple sources describe as...

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Next Post
US Central Command Reports Destruction of Houthi Drones

US Central Command Reports Destruction of Houthi Drones

Japan and the Philippines Sign Historic Defense Pact

Japan and the Philippines Sign Historic Defense Pact

997 Morrison Dr. Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403

News

  • Global Operations
  • Special Interest
  • Industry
  • Global Operations
  • Special Interest
  • Industry

Services

  • Membership Page
  • Merchandise
  • Recruiting
  • Membership Page
  • Merchandise
  • Recruiting

Resources

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Global Operations
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Industry
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
    • Special Interest
      • Asia
      • Africa
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
      • Oceana
  • Market
    • Coming Soon
  • Intelligence
    • Job Board
    • Events
    • Contract Awards
    • USMC Deception Manual
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Privacy Policy
Subscribe
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Log in to your account

Lost your password?
wpDiscuz