Sailors Launched Underwater Drone From Torpedo Tube
The USS Pasadena crew used a 3D-printed enclosure to deploy a remote vehicle during a recent trial.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Robotics
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On August 24, 2026, sailors aboard the USS Pasadena successfully launched an underwater drone from a torpedo tube. The operation utilized a specialized 3D-printed enclosure to facilitate the deployment.
Why it matters
The Navy is prioritizing additive manufacturing to bypass expensive conventional submarine modifications and reduce supply chain delays. This approach allows crews to conduct necessary underwater inspections without surfacing the vessel.
The custom enclosure was produced using Rigid 10K resin on a Formlabs Form 4L printer for less than $1,000. Technicians routed low-voltage cabling through the printed part to integrate with the Blueye X3 remotely operated vehicle.
The players
USS Pasadena
This is a United States Navy submarine that served as the testing site for the underwater drone deployment trial.
Formlabs
This company manufactures the Form 4L printer used to create the watertight enclosures for the drone deployment.
The details
Engineers constructed an external harness to manage signal transmission through connection points located outside the torpedo tube. The trial demonstrated that additive manufacturing could replace traditional fiber optic penetrator modifications that typically cost $200,000 per boat.
Timeline
August 11, 2026: The Navy issued new requirements to fast-track the use of metal 3D-printed parts.
August 24, 2026: Sailors on the USS Pasadena executed the underwater drone trial.
July 2027: A funded sensor fusion program for metal additive manufacturing is set to conclude.
The Tech Race
This initiative represents a strategic shift toward rapid, low-cost additive manufacturing to replace traditional, slow-moving industrial procurement models. By deploying 3D-printed solutions, the Navy is moving to outpace current supply chain bottlenecks that have historically plagued fleet maintenance.
While primarily a military operation, the successful use of low-cost 3D-printed parts demonstrates potential for cheaper, rapid repair solutions in remote environments. This shift highlights a growing capability for decentralized maintenance that could reduce downtime for complex technical systems.
The takeaway
This trial proves that additive manufacturing can significantly lower the cost of complex naval hardware modifications. Future maritime operations may increasingly rely on 3D printing to maintain mission readiness at sea.
What happens next
The Navy is currently drafting a formal ROV Personnel Qualification Standard card to establish the specific training requirements for crew members operating these drones.
Further reading
For more on evolving maritime technology, explore the latest developments in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
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