The use of 3-D printers in the US Navy to get spare parts has been going on for several years, even going back to the early '90 (!) Years. However, before last Friday, the parties' production had never involved critical elements.
A titanium connection printed in 3-D and mounted in the engine nacelle was a historic step. The component is one of four that secure the engine to the tilt-rotor wing.
"The flight went well", the largest MarineTravis pilot Stephenson confirmed in a statement from the US Navy. "I couldn't have imagined having something different on board."
The element will be kept on board to assess its durability and reliability over time.
Before the flight, the Lakehurst and Penn State Applied Research Laboratory spare part was tested in the laboratories of the US Navy base of Patuxent River to validate its performance.
Rear Admiral Francis Morley, deputy commander of Naval Air Systems Command, stressed how the new technology will reduce maintenance costs, speeding up interventions on board aircraft.
The Osprey was chosen by the US Navy as a new transport and connection aircraft carrier from the 2020.
(photo / video: US Navy)
