The U.S. Navy has developed a 3D printed model of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) visor by way of a collaborative effort between a number of naval instructions. The venture concerned the Naval Aviation Coaching Methods and Ranges Program Workplace (PMA-205), Naval Training and Coaching Command (NETC), Heart for Naval Aviation Technical Coaching (CNATT), and Commander, Naval Air Forces coaching and readiness (CNAF N7).
The unique JHMCS visor value $870 per unit and required multi-year procurement timelines, creating delays in coaching curriculum and fleet sustainment. With CNATT requiring roughly 40 visors yearly, the prevailing provide mannequin introduced fiscal and operational challenges for the Navy’s coaching applications.
The staff developed a prototype visor utilizing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a 3D printing filament, that meets important design necessities together with dimensional accuracy and clean integration with Helmet Show Models. The brand new manufacturing method reduces prices by 65 p.c and shortens supply timelines from years to weeks.
“This effort is a major instance of how collaboration and innovation throughout instructions can ship actual outcomes for the fleet,” mentioned Capt. Jonathan Schiffelbein, PMA-205 program supervisor. “By leveraging additive manufacturing, our groups not solely met vital coaching necessities but in addition superior readiness and lower lifecycle prices, straight supporting our Sailors and the mission.”
The Navy has created a technical information package deal to make sure the visors might be replicated throughout fleet intermediate stage upkeep print websites. This method offers a scalable provide answer that may be carried out at a number of areas inside the Navy’s upkeep community.
Supply: navair.navy.mil