Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) are collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce in a ground-breaking initiative to recycle components from retired Tornado aircrafts into new parts for the next generation Tempest fighter jets.
Titled ‘Tornado 2 Tempest’, the project highlights the potential of recycling and additive manufacturing techniques in future defence applications. It is a UK-first initiative, using recycled metallic parts in both aircraft testing and production.
After dismantling surplus Tornado aircrafts and extracting high-criticality metals like titanium, the materials are atomised into powders which then serve as feedstock for 3D printing new components. An example of AMS using this technique for the project includes the production of a 3D-printed nose cone for Rolls-Royce’s Orpheus engine.
Additionally, the project will help the UK become more environmentally sustainable in both the aerospace and defence sectors.
Robert Higham, AMS Co-Founder and CEO said:
This project turned our proposed solutions into a reality, and we have been very humbled and grateful to the MOD and Rolls Royce, for allowing us to showcase our capability to deliver game-changing circular economy processes and parts in Defence.
AMS have been awarded the Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS) Commendation for this project, for their commitment and dedication to the delivery and improvement of support to the front line, alongside the other members of this successful project.
Congratulations to AMS for their ground-breaking work, what a fantastic achievement!
