BAE system engineers have successfully flight tested metal parts produced through 3D printing, for the first time on-board a RAF Tornado...
BAE system engineers have successfully flight tested metal parts produced through 3D printing, for the first time on-board a RAF Tornado GR4 fighter jet. The 3D metal camera bracket was test flown from BAE's airfield at Warton in Lancashire. BAE say's some of the parts cost less than £100 per piece to manufacture, and has already resulted in savings of more than £300,000 and will offer further potential cost savings of more than £1.2 million by 2017.
BAE is also designing and producing 3D printed functional components at RAF Marham airbase to support the Tornado when it is being maintained on the ground. The parts are made from a plastic material and include protective covers for Tornado cockpit radios, support struts on the air intake door and protective guards for Power Take-off shafts. Watch 3D printing machine video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=33wIEBb9yoU
