14 DAY TRIAL // BAE Systems is a major defense corporation from Great Britain, which means that its endorsement is important to any part supplier. So when it gets behind 3D printing, you can be sure that others will follow.
As I've just found out, the company tested, yesterday (Sunday, January 5, 2014), a Tornado fighter jet that was made with some 3D printed parts.
Said 3D printed parts were the cockpit radio cover and some components in the landing gear. The 3D printing was done on site, at a Royal Air Force base.
Using 3D printing can save hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in maintenance and refit costs, BAW believes. So while we won't see fully 3D printed flying contraptions any time soon, the process will steadily replace standard manufacturing practices in many areas.