What Happened
Expeditionary Manufacturing Platform Demonstrates Maritime Capability
Firestorm Labs has successfully 3D printed over 1,000 parts and 12 flight-ready drones on the USS Essex during a two-week transit to RIMPAC 2026. The parts were printed using the company’s xCell expeditionary manufacturing platform, which is designed to operate in harsh environments. The drones were subsequently used in a counter-UAS exercise by Marines from the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. This demonstration highlights the potential of additive manufacturing to transform maritime logistics and enhance naval capabilities, as reported by 3D Printing Industry.