Future 3D printers Could Create Small Drones

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

By the year 2040, 3D printers could be so advanced that they could create small unmanned aircraft, BAE Systems scientists and engineers claim.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) could then potentially be used as a group of wide-winged aircraft for protracted or enduring surveillance or as rotary-winged UAVs to rescue single civilians or soldiers from dangerous situations, they suggest.

According to sUAS the scientists, who have been working on futuristic aircraft technologies, have been looking at the idea that they could be created by super high-tech on-board 3D printers, an additive layer and robotic assembly.

Unmanned Systems Event 2014 – Israel

The UAVs could render themselves useless with the installation of dissolving circuit boards, or they might be able to land in a recoverable position if they are needed for further use.

BAE Systems, which has a major factory in Filton, near Bristol, believes this could create “the ultimate adaptable task force, with a lead aircraft able to enter any unknown scenario and quickly manufacture an effective tool set for any task”.