The US company Firestorm Labs has signed a 100 million dollar contract with the US Air Force. The five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract enables the flexible procurement and development of 3D-printed unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Air Force can place multiple orders within this period, with individual orders lasting up to 24 months.
Firestorm Labs uses modular design principles and additive manufacturing for its drones. This makes it possible to develop cost-effective, scalable systems that can be quickly adapted to new application requirements. According to CEO Dan Magy, the contract demonstrates the US Air Force’s confidence in Firestorm’s ability to provide modern, modular UAS solutions. The aim is to increase the Air Force’s operational flexibility and strategic superiority in dynamic conflict situations.
A central element of production is the xCell system, a semi-automated production unit that can operate independently of location and without existing infrastructure. This allows class 1 to 3 drones to be manufactured directly on site. This approach reduces dependence on global supply chains and makes it possible to produce systems, spare parts and prototypes close to where they are used.
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