3D printing - a new dimension in manufacturing

The process involves creating a solid, three dimensional item generated from a 3D digital model.  It's a technique that could revolutionise how parts - if not, whole aircraft, one day, are made.

We're applying this technology in different ways across the business, from rapid prototyping, to ground equipment and flying parts. The possibilities are endless.

We're printing pieces of ground support equipment at RAF Marham which are saving the RAF time and money when it comes to repairs, maintenance and support of the Tornado aircraft.

Just one part alone, a protective cover for the Tornado cockpit radio is made in a day for less than £100, meaning savings to date of £300,000 and a projected 4-year reduction in manufacturing costs of £1.2 million.

Our engineers have created and flown a 3D printed metal part for the first time on-board a Tornado fighter jet, paving the way for using 3D printed parts in other military kit.

The 3D metal camera bracket was successfully flown from our airfield at Warton in Lancashire and was a step forward in demonstrating this technology in the air.

To find out more, visit the story here.

Working in collaboration with Cranfield University and other leading industry and academic organisations we have produced one of the largest 3D printed components to be made in the UK.

A large titanium spar section measuring 1.2m in length was designed by our engineers and produced at Cranfield University, demonstrating how this cutting edge manufacturing technique could be used to produce large structural components for aircraft in the future.

For more information, visit the story here.

Mike Murray heads up the engineering team looking at ways to apply this cutting edge technology to our business. Watch the clip to learn more about why we're investing in this capability and what the future looks like.