U.S. Navy uses 3D-printed composite patches to repair F/A-18 fighter jets (heise.de)

• NAVCAD and FRCSW develop 3D-printed composite repair patches for F/A-18 Super Hornet.
• Repair time reduced by 50%; 3D printers available at 22 maintenance sites globally.
• First field tests on operational aircraft planned for summer 2026.

"The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAVCAD) and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) have developed a 3D-printing process to repair composite parts on F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, reducing repair time by 50%. The 3D printers are already available at 22 maintenance sites worldwide. After laboratory tests, field trials on operational aircraft are planned for summer 2026. Previously, damaged parts had to be removed and shipped to the U.S. or specialist technicians flown in."