3DPS logo
3DPS Europe
Service and development
News

News / article

Technology
← Back to news Back to homepage
GKN Aerospace Demonstrates a UAV Powered by a 3D Printed Engine
2026. 09. 14.
781

GKN Aerospace Demonstrates a UAV Powered by a 3D Printed Engine

2 min read

GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a UAV platform using an additively manufactured engine. The project shows how 3D printing in aerospace is moving beyond brackets and ducts toward core propulsion hardware.

GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a UAV platform using an additively manufactured engine. The project shows how 3D printing in aerospace is moving beyond brackets and ducts toward core propulsion hardware.

What happened?

GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a UAV platform using an additively manufactured engine. The project shows how 3D printing in aerospace is moving beyond brackets and ducts toward core propulsion hardware.

Key details

  • The demonstrator uses an additively manufactured propulsion system.
  • The program also explores faster development and supply-chain flexibility.
  • Weight reduction and part consolidation remain major aerospace advantages of AM.
  • The technology is moving closer to complete functional systems rather than isolated components.

Why it matters

An engine is one of the most demanding and complex systems in an aircraft. Reliable AM at this level represents a much larger step than printing a lightweight bracket.

The cover image is a 3DPS-created illustration.

Source and further information

This article is a summary based on publicly available source material. Read the original here: 3DPrint.com.



#GKNAerospace #Aerospace #UAV #Drone #3DPrintedEngine #AdditiveManufacturing #Metal3DPrinting #Aviation #AerospaceEngineering #3DPrinting #Engineering #3DPS
Related articles
Archive

Earlier news

79 earlier article(s)
Another Milestone Reached in the Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project #2
2026. 07. 26.
New printers
367

Another Milestone Reached in the Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project #2

Another Milestone Reached in the Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project The Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead reverse engineering project has reached another important milestone. Recent work has shifted beyond simply identifying components toward building a comprehensive and structured hardware documentation system that will serve as the foundation for all future development.

Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project – First Hardware Documentation Milestone Completed
2026. 07. 26.
New printers
450

Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project – First Hardware Documentation Milestone Completed

Anycubic Kobra 3 Toolhead Project – First Hardware Documentation Milestone Completed The reverse engineering project has reached another important milestone. Our recent work has focused not only on identifying individual components but also on building a structured hardware documentation system that will serve as the foundation for mapping the entire electronics assembly.

„DO NOT TOUCH.” 😅
2026. 05. 12.
Technology
437

„DO NOT TOUCH.” 😅

There’s that legendary sticker on every engineering project that says: “DO NOT TOUCH.” 😅 But seriously… then HOW are we supposed to take it apart?!

Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini – Factory First Layer Issues
2026. 05. 12.
New printers
516

Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini – Factory First Layer Issues

Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini – Factory First Layer Issues Several users of the Bambu Lab A1 and Bambu Lab A1 Mini printers have reported strange first layer issues that at first seem like slicer or filament problems, but are often actually caused by mechanical issues.

E-Boat Motor – Remote Control Lever Project
2026. 05. 12.
Technology
377

E-Boat Motor – Remote Control Lever Project

E-Boat Motor – Remote Control Lever Project Electric boat motors are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their quiet operation, efficiency, and environmentally friendly nature compared to traditional propulsion systems. However, as performance and areas of use continue to expand, comfortable and safe control solutions are becoming more and more important as well.

Discover the endless possibilities of the 3D world
2026. 05. 07.
Technology
395

Discover the endless possibilities of the 3D world

Discover the endless possibilities of the 3D world From idea to reality: At 3DayCon you can experience first-hand how 3D technology is reshaping the world. Whether it's a hobby or industrial innovation, you'll find what you're looking for here. The event is free, but registration is required!

Bringing 3D Printing and Smiles to Children’s Day in Budapest
2026. 05. 06.
Technology
477

Bringing 3D Printing and Smiles to Children’s Day in Budapest

Bringing 3D Printing and Smiles to Children’s Day in Budapest For the third consecutive year, our team has proudly participated in the Városliget Children’s Day event organized by the International Children’s Safety Service. During the 2024, 2025, and 2026 events, we have been dedicated to bringing exciting technology experiences to children and families visiting one of Hungary’s largest free family festivals.