3D-printed drones built on a US Navy ship for the first time, potentially opening a whole new world of possibilities for…
- Firestorm Labs printed 12 drones aboard USS Essex during a Pacific voyage
- More than 1,000 drone components were manufactured directly aboard the warship
- The Navy tested drone production while waves reached 12 feet
Firestorm Labs has produced 3D-printed drones aboard a US Navy ship at sea, testing manufacturing without conventional shore-based logistics support systems.
The company manufactured more than 1,000 components and assembled 12 Squall first-person-view drones aboard USS Essex during its voyage toward Hawaii waters.
The drones were subsequently flown as opposing aircraft during a counter-drone exercise conducted during the Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, 2026.
Manufacturing drones at sea
Firestorm Labs used its xCell containerized microfactory to manufacture drone components and additional parts while the amphibious assault ship remained underway.
The system functions as a compact production facility designed for Navy vessels, allowing crews to manufacture unmanned aircraft and selected replacement components.
During the trial, service members...
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