The 3D manufacturing effort is being conducted at the EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center in collaboration with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The project aims to create drones that are more adaptable, durable, and cost-effective than previous systems, with plans to produce 100 units and accompanying ground control consoles for the exercise.
Colonel Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding officer for support of the Division, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative on the Division’s sUAS operations. He stated that the project would influence all aspects of drone deployment, including airworthiness, parts procurement, and training.
The manufactured drones have undergone multiple tests and demonstrations to gather user feedback. Captain Andrew Blomquist, innovation officer for the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, reported positive responses, with soldiers noting improvements in performance compared to previously fielded systems.
Operation Lethal Eagle will serve as a proving ground for the new drones, offering an opportunity to evaluate their utility in realistic training scenarios. The initiative will continue through further testing and refinement, leading up to the next major training event at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana later this year
