25001 – Snowbird Additive Mobile Manufacturing Technology

Snowbird Additive Mobile Manufacturing Technology

Expeditionary Repair of Aircraft Structural Components

Problem Statement: The availability of replacement parts for equipment remains a critical challenge for operations in contested defense settings. Traditional supply chains and logistics are unreliable and leave warfighters in adverse, if not dangerous, situations.
To maintain mission readiness and reduce the risks of global supply chains, logistics, and raw materials shortages, other means of procurement must be established. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a viable solution that is currently being evaluated for expanded capacity support. However, in the right configuration, AM is also the solution for point-of-need production in contested environments.

Description of the Innovation Solution: The Snowbird Additive Mobile Manufacturing Technology platform (SAMM Tech) is a cutting-edge, fully integrated advanced manufacturing system, designed for expeditionary use. Housed within a compact 10-foot MILVAN shipping container, SAMM Tech combines additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities to deliver on-demand repair, replacement, and prototype production directly at the point of need. Its modular, portable design and robust construction enable operations in extreme environments, both on land and at sea, while remaining compatible with existing logistics infrastructure for global mobility.

Benefits to the DoD: SAMM Tech’s modularity and self-contained design make it uniquely suited for forward-deployed manufacturing scenarios, enabling operators to produce components rapidly without reliance on external resources. The platform eliminates the need for auxiliary post-processing equipment, reducing logistical burdens and accelerating mission sustainment capabilities.
Innovation Challenges: As an innovative leader in defense technology, SAMM Tech faces significant challenges in driving awareness and adoption of its groundbreaking solutions. These factors directly influence the distribution and utilization of its technology.
Another key challenge lies in the availability of durable components capable of withstanding the extreme environmental conditions in which SAMM Tech operates. Sourcing essential parts—such as print heads, engines, and spindles—that can reliably perform in extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and adverse weather conditions remains a persistent hurdle.

Designed specifically for field operations, SAMM Tech must be prepared for deployment in any environment. However, until more integrators recognize the potential of this market and develop components tailored to these demanding conditions, SAMM Tech remains reliant on a limited selection of proven technologies that have demonstrated reliability in the field.

Technical Maturity/Demo Results: SAMM Tech is TRL 7. SAMM Tech was installed on a San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock for use during the Rim of the Pacific and TRIDENT WARRIOR exercises facilitated by the Naval Postgraduate School Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education and FLEETWERX.