The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is advancing its operational capabilities by integrating 3D-printed drones into its training arsenal.
This initiative is part of the Division’s preparations for Operation Lethal Eagle, a division-wide training exercise aimed at enhancing unit lethality and air assault proficiency.
In a news release, the army stated that the drones, manufactured at the EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center at Fort Campbell, mark a significant step in transforming how small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are designed and deployed.
“This is bigger than simply printing parts. We are reshaping the sUAS enterprise at the tactical level,” said Col. Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding officer for support of the 101st Airborne Division. The initiative will influence various aspects of drone operations, including airworthiness, parts procurement, and training protocols.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Division and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Soldiers requested drones that are more adaptable, robust, and cost-effective than previously issued models.
In response, EagleWerx is producing 100 sUAS units and acquiring ground control consoles at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems.
Operation Lethal Eagle, a 21-day intensive exercise, will test these prototypes in large-scale, long-range air assault scenarios.
Capt Andrew Blomquist, innovation officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, highlighted the extensive testing and feedback process.
“We have done multiple Soldier touch points, demos, and flight tests so luckily, we have already received great end user feedback”, said Blomquist.
“One Soldier in particular that has experience with all of the previously fielded sUAS was surprised with its performance.”
The 101st Airborne Division plans to continue refining its 3D-printed drones ahead of its next major exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Johnson, Louisiana, this spring.
For more details, visit the EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center website.
