3D printing helps the US Marine Corps solve the problem of aircraft shortage

Due to the aging of the fleet and the shortage of replaceable parts, the US Marine Corps is currently facing a shortage of aircraft available for missions. The result is that the pilot's flight time has to be shortened, raising concerns about whether they can get the necessary training required for combat readiness.

In response to this problem, the US Marine Corps has had to take some outdated aircraft out of the "old hangar" and return them to combat readiness. Unfortunately, this move further squeezed more human resources out of flight training and execution tasks into the development of repair and end-of-life solutions. By the way, the business squadron should focus on training and execution tasks, not the aircraft's MRO (maintenance, repair and operation).

As a solution, the United States Department of Defense is considering additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing as a standard practice and source material. For the US Marine Corps facing equipment shortages, additive manufacturing has many advantages: faster, more streamlined component design and implementation processes; less storage costs; and customization capabilities.

However, there are still some issues to be addressed in additive manufacturing, such as certification and intellectual property challenges. However, these issues can be solved by working with relevant parties, conducting positive evaluations, and jointly developing licensing strategies where possible.

It is understood that so far, the US Marine Corps has been trying some small additive manufacturing projects: for example, its first maintenance battalion, the 15th operational logistics group and the 1st Marine Logistics Group are currently using leased additive manufacturing equipment. Make small items such as tools and radar mounts. In addition, its aircraft mechanics, Marine Corps logistics personnel and light weapons maintenance technicians also conducted a 3D printing training camp not long ago.

Although the US Marine Corps is known for its adaptability, it cannot be ignored that manufacturing reductions and old ageing of materials will have a major impact on its military security and readiness. Additive manufacturing is likely to be a viable solution if the government and industry can overcome some of the challenges it faces. Once these issues are resolved, additive manufacturing can be a key factor in ensuring rapid deployment of the US Marine Corps.

Wood Wall Hanger

Wood Wall Hanger,Wooden Wall Hooks,Wooden Wall Hangers,Wooden Coat Hooks

CSL WOOD ART FACTORY , https://www.cslwoodart.com