The U.K. has achieved a world first by recycling components from retired Eurofighter Tornado jets into 3D-printable materials for the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter. As part of the Tornado 2 Tempest project, titanium, aluminum, and steel were ground into powdered metal for additive manufacturing. Rolls-Royce successfully 3D-printed new components, including a nose cone and compressor blades, from repurposed Tornado titanium for its Orpheus test engine. The nose cone passed safety and performance tests, proving the viability of this recycling approach for Tempest aircraft production. Led by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited, the initiative aims to cut costs, enhance sustainability, and reduce dependence on global supply chains, with Tempest expected to enter service by 2035.
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