British Royal Navy Now Launching 3D Printed Drones From Ships

[Brian_Krassenstein]

The British Royal Navy is looking into the idea that 3D printed drones might one day be a critical part of operations offshore in applications from piracy prevention to disaster relief--and recently test-launched a 3D printed SULSA (Southampton University Laser Sintered Aircraft) drone. Jim Scanlan, a professor at the University of Southampton who works on the SULSA project, says the 3D printed version of the drone represents a change in thinking. The ship-launched drones already in service are typically larger - and cost millions – but their 3D printed counterparts are nearly disposable in comparison. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/83805/sulsa-3d-printed-drone/


Below is a photo of the 3D printed SULSA drone being launched from the Royal Navy's HMS Mersey:

[curious aardvark]

I'm all for anything that saves tax !

And something that size could carry a reasonable warhead - certainly enough to sink most pirate boats.