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Firestorm Labs Demonstrates Onboard UAV Manufacturing for U.S. Navy at Sea
Firestorm Labs, based in San Diego, showcased its ability to manufacture UAV parts using 3D printing technology aboard the USS Essex during a two-week voyage to the Rim of the Pacific 2026 military exercise. The company produced over 1,000 drone components, which were assembled into Squall UAVs for target practice exercises. This demonstration is significant as it addresses the U.S. Navy's concerns regarding traditional logistics for drone manufacturing and repair, particularly in contested environments. Firestorm's CEO, Dan Magy, emphasized the importance of their solution in overcoming logistical challenges faced by the Navy, especially in areas like the Strait of Hormuz. Looking ahead, Firestorm Labs aims to enhance its mobile additive-manufacturing equipment for deployment on smaller ships. The company has already sold several xCell units to various military branches and government agencies, indicating a growing interest in this technology across multiple sectors, including oil and gas.
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Firestorm Labs 3D-prints Over 1,000 Parts and Assembles 12 Drones on USS Essex
Firestorm Labs successfully manufactured over 1,000 components and assembled 12 Squall drones aboard the USS Essex during a two-week trial. This operation took place while the US Navy warship was en route from San Diego to Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026, showcasing the potential for on-site production of military hardware during maritime missions. The significance of this trial lies in its demonstration of the xCell manufacturing platform's capabilities, which allowed for the production of drone components and repair parts despite challenging sea conditions. By reducing reliance on shore-based resupply, the operation enhances combat readiness and supports repairs directly at sea, marking a pivotal shift in military logistics. Looking ahead, the successful deployment of the xCell platform under operational conditions opens avenues for future maritime manufacturing initiatives. Firestorm Labs' ability to produce critical components on demand could revolutionize military operations, particularly in remote or hostile environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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