Pentagon wants to use 3D printing to produce and stimulate development of hypersonic weapons

The United States is working hard to develop hypersonic weapons, trying different ways to develop the field as a whole.

Here's What We Know

The U.S. Defense Department intends to use additive manufacturing (popularly known as 3D printing) to develop and create hypersonic weapons and equipment that can operate under extreme conditions. Pentagon officials note the need to strengthen the industrial base and ensure a smooth transition from hypersonic weapons development to production.

To achieve the goal, the Defense Department has launched the Growing Additive Manufacturing Maturity for Airbreathing Hypersonics (GAMMA-H) initiative. The program targets materials that are used to create hypersonic weapons capable of speeds greater than Mach 5 (6,000 km/h).

The materials must work under extreme conditions and withstand high temperatures. The department believes that additive manufacturing technologies can help improve the quality of parts and reduce the number of components needed to create weapons.

On Oct. 28, the Pentagon asked small and large companies, as well as the scientific community, to submit proposals for developing prototypes of hypersonic components using 3D printing. They have until December 12 to submit them.

Source: Defense News

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