First MV-22B Osprey with 3D-printed, safety-critical parts takes flight

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- An MV-22B Osprey has flown its first flight with a safety-critical link and fitting assembly that was 3D-printed, Naval Air Systems Command announced Friday.

The test flight out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland showcased a titanium, 3D-printed link and fitting assembly for the engine nacelle, NAVAIR said in a statement.

The link and fitting assembly is one of four that secure an Osprey's engine nacelle to the primary wing structure.

The 3D-printed part will remain on the aircraft for continued evaluation.

Additive manufacturing techniques use 3D design data to build components in layers of metal, plastic and other materials.

The link and fitting assembly for the test were printed at the Naval Air Warfare Center's Aircraft Division.

The successful test flight is the first step toward an eventual configuration change that will see the parts used on any V-22 aircraft.

While the Navy has used additive manufacturing since the early 1990s for prototyping and began in recent years to print non-flight critical parts and tools, the latest test is the first time a part that is essential to flight safety was printed.

The sea service hopes to one day print any part on demand instead of having to order, stock and ship parts.

Six additional safety-critical parts will be tested in the next year for the V-22, H-1 and CH-53K rotorcraft, with parts made out of titanium or stainless steel.