Progress is ongoing in the next evolution of air mobility – all thanks to emerging 3D printing technology.
A full-scale model of Langley Aerodrome No. 8 is being constructed at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. This LA-8 model is slated to contribute to the agency’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) initiative.
“It’s been pretty cool,” said Langley engineering technician Sam James. “It’s amazing that something like this can be produced so quickly.”
About 80 percent of the model is built using 3D printers on center using nylon and polycarbonate. This allows engineers to change the wings, the fuselage and add other sections of the model such as propellers and computer hardware rapidly.
“It’s definitely a new world with 3D printing,” James said. “It’s the future without a doubt.”
To read more about LA-8 testing, click here.