Sikorsky: Use of Additive Manufacturing Has Reduced Lead-Time for Aircraft Components Written 2 August 2022

Aviation International reports that Sikorsky said that the “use of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, digital tools, and other advanced processes[,] has reduced lead-time for aircraft components by more than 50 percent.” According to AIN, the “maturation of this technology across Sikorsky parent Lockheed Martin and its supplier base for both metal and composite materials is producing schedule, cost, and weight savings across systems.” With the help of additive manufacturing, Sikorsky’s Raider X competitive prototype is now 90 percent complete. However, “flight testing of both the Raider X and its competitor, the Bell 360 Invictus, has been delayed until October 2023 (the start of Fiscal Year 2024) at the earliest due to delays with the GE T901 improved turbine engine selected by the Army.”
Full Story (Aviation International)