Air Force awards SIMBA contract to provide technology to 3D print parts for aircraft and weapons in forward locations, all secured with blockchain

The U.S. Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office awarded SIMBA Chain a Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 grant to develop a solution that will ultimately allow the Air Force to manufacture, test, and deploy replacement parts for aircraft and other weaponry on forward operating locations using 3D printing supported and secured by blockchain, the company announced.

 SIMBA Chain teamed with Steel Modular, Inc. to offer the AFRSO a self-contained, mobile 3D manufacturing facility housed in a repurposed shipping container. Each 20- or 40-foot disposable container is equipped with all of the components and resources necessary for secure metal and fiber additive 3D manufacturing, final machining, inspection of finished products, and communication, according to SIMBA. 

The mobile 3D manufacturing units can be climate controlled for the comfort and protection of military personnel and the equipment. 

The SIMBA Chain solution includes blockchain to secure conversations and information critical to the manufacture of specific parts, and supports the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense’s strategy to transform engineering practices to digital engineering. The solution will accelerate the AFRSO’s ability to produce tooling, fixtures, support equipment, and aircraft parts when and where needed, according to the announcement. 

The ultimate goal of the project is to leverage additive manufacturing so the Air Force can design and product parts in days rather than months, respond faster to combat equipment needs on bases and overseas battlefields, and help backfill parts for aging but still serviceable planes for which there are no commercially available replacement parts, said SIMBA Chain CEO Joel Neidig.

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