The US Air Force’s 432nd Wing is using 3D printing to transform maintenance training for the MQ-9 Reaper – advancing the direction of remotely piloted aircraft more toward its recent innovation objectives. During the process of launching Creech Air Force Base’s 3D printing project, the organization navigated issues that delayed its debut, but rollout for the device has begun.
Kennon Nichols, the supervisor for the MQ-9 AFETS team, was tasked with securing approvals and funding for bringing 3D printing capabilities to the base. Partnering with Col. Joseph Deporter, 432nd Maintenance Group commander, they secured the funding to purchase two 3D printers and set up a 3D printing facility. During his tenure, the team developed 3D printing capabilities to remedy MQ-9 spare training part shortages. This, in turn, solved logistical and financial hardships that had previously impacted training.
“You have to find innovative ways to overcome obstacles by thinking outside the box,” said Nichols. “Our team, along with Col. Deporter worked hard to find a solution to the problem with the spirit of innovation.”
The operational heart of the 3D printing initiative, Remington Young, MQ-9 AFETS airframe propulsion and generation equipment specialist, constructed a state-of-the-art 3D printing facility and serves as an active instructor and guide for base personnel learning to utilize the equipment.
“It’s a funny story, given that my first 3D printer was from my wife for Christmas in 2016,” said Young. “Now we are printing military training equipment. This tech equips our Airmen with practical skills, saves lives, and takes what was a $10,000 dollar part in the past and allows it to be printed at high speed for $15. It’s the future.”
Inside the printing lab, Eric Pavelka, MQ-9 Avionics senior equipment specialist, oversees and coordinates the plethora of projects on queue at any given time. As the main contact point for purchases and management of space on the floor, he makes sure that the inventory and layout are up to date – ensuring the availability of the physical components required for training maintainers are made in a timely and cost-effective manner.
“There are a lot of rules when it comes to money and what we’re actually able to purchase, but we all came to the consensus of a legitimate need for printers because we could see the added benefits that it would provide for all of our training,” said Pavelka. “We researched, found some suitable items, and then I coordinated with the MXG Resource Advisor.”
The future of 3D printing within the military presents many groundbreaking applications. From diagnosing aircraft damage to printing replacement parts onsite, the technology offers more streamlined options with minimized downtime.
“I can’t say enough great things about what additional capabilities the 432 MXG AFETS team brings to the over 800 Hunter maintenance professionals here at Creech AFB and deployed overseas each and every day,” said Deporter. “Thanks to this new 3D printing capability our already exceptional maintainers will be able to learn their craft at a higher level.”
