MITRE and ONR Collaboration Propels Maritime Defense with 3D Printed Hopper Drone

In a collaboration between MITRE, a US federally funded research and development defense organization, and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the development of a small uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) has marked a significant leap forward in maritime innovation and defense technology. The Hopper drone, designed to operate autonomously at sea for extended periods, is set to transform various aspects of defense and marine research.

Engineers at MITRE and ONR have leveraged state-of-the-art design principles and simulation software to create a sturdy yet adaptable aerial system. Similarly to the design material of many past drones, one of the key innovations driving the success of the Hopper project is its utilization of advanced 3D printing technology. Engineers at MITRE have turned to the power of additive manufacturing to fabricate the drone’s airframe and components quickly and cost-effectively. Though no information has been released on the exact 3D printing technology used, there are a number that we have seen used for previous drones including FDM 3D printing and SLS.

MITRE engineers Dave Sheffler and Tyler Paige prepare to deploy Hopper at Lake Anna State Park in Virginia.

This approach not only accelerates the production process but also allows for complex designs and customization to maritime environments. Additionally, it broadens the scope of the drone’s applications, extending beyond military use to include civil activities such as search and rescue, detecting meteorological events, and monitoring for illicit activities like illegal fishing.