The V-22B Osprey is a multi-tasking military mainstay for a variety of missions. Recently, in a remarkable display of adaptability, the United States Marine Corps successfully 3D-printed a medical cast while airborne and conducting training exercises on this unique tilt-rotor aircraft.
In this exercise scenario, a Marine incurred a minor arm injury that required immediate medical attention.
Rather than wait for conventional medical assistance, the Marines aboard the Osprey sprang into action and utilized the aircraft’s integrated 3D-printing capability to create a custom-fit cast for the “injured Marine” in a matter of minutes.
This exercise and the continued use of the V-22 Osprey for military and humanitarian aid around the world demonstrate why the aircraft has been capable asset for three decades.