We’ve written about 3D-printed weapons before . Printing functional weapons may be technically illegal in the UK, but that’s not stopping the country’s armed forces from adopting the technology for military purposes. Defence company BAE announced that in December, British Tornado fighter jets had successfully flown test flights with parts made on 3D printers for the first time.
The metal parts were created by BAE for the Royal Air Force base in Norfolk and covered four Tornado GR4.
BBC News reports the technology could cut the RAF by more than £1.2 million ($1.96 million) over the next four years. For some of the parts created with 3D printers (such as the support beams for the air intake doors) the cost was less than £100 ($163). In addition to the reduced costs, BAE chief Mike Murray said 3D printing would give the RAF more logistical freedom in its future operations.
