The U.S. Navy has developed a 3D printed model of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) visor via a collaborative effort between a number of naval instructions. The undertaking concerned the Naval Aviation Coaching Techniques and Ranges Program Workplace (PMA-205), Naval Schooling and Coaching Command (NETC), Middle 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 present provide mannequin introduced fiscal and operational challenges for the Navy’s coaching packages.
The group 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 Items. The brand new manufacturing method reduces prices by 65 p.c and shortens supply timelines from years to weeks.
“This effort is a chief 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 crucial coaching necessities but in addition superior readiness and minimize lifecycle prices, straight supporting our Sailors and the mission.”
The Navy has created a technical knowledge bundle to make sure the visors may be replicated throughout fleet intermediate degree upkeep print websites. This method offers a scalable provide answer that may be applied at a number of areas inside the Navy’s upkeep community.
Supply: navair.navy.mil