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Navy Drones 3D Printed At Sea
11 Aug
Summary
- 12 drones were printed aboard USS Essex during a Pacific voyage.
- Over 1,000 drone parts were manufactured directly on the warship.
- The Navy tested drone production amidst challenging 12-foot waves.
Firestorm Labs successfully manufactured 12 Squall drones and over 1,000 components aboard the USS Essex during its recent Pacific voyage. This trial marked a significant step in testing at-sea drone production capabilities without conventional shore-based logistics. The manufacturing occurred within Firestorm Labs' xCell containerized microfactory, designed for deployment on Navy vessels.
Personnel assembled drones and printed replacement parts while the ship navigated demanding conditions, including 12-foot waves. This initiative aligns with the Navy's broader strategy to develop modular, containerized capabilities for deployment in areas with limited infrastructure. The goal is to enable repairs and component production within hours, rather than relying on lengthy resupply missions across contested waters.
While this trial demonstrates the feasibility of onboard additive manufacturing, its long-term effectiveness will depend on sustained production rates and reliability under more rigorous combat conditions. The Navy is exploring containerized solutions to enhance operational flexibility and reduce logistical vulnerabilities in remote theaters.
