Navy Sailors Launched Drone From Submarine Torpedo Tube
A $1,000 3D-printed enclosure enabled deployment of a remotely operated vehicle, bypassing a $200,000 standard modification.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Robotics
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On August 24, 2026, sailors aboard the USS Pasadena successfully launched a Blueye X3 underwater drone through a torpedo tube. The team utilized a custom 3D-printed watertight enclosure, a temporary solution that replaced a conventional modification requiring permanent, costly ship alterations.
Why it matters
The trial demonstrates a shift toward rapid, low-cost additive manufacturing to bypass long-standing submarine supply chain delays. By enabling in-situ inspections, the Navy aims to reduce the need for surfacing and reliance on expensive, slow-to-install hardware modifications.
The enclosure was manufactured using Rigid 10K resin on a Formlabs Form 4L printer. The system operates by passing signals through an external harness connected to the vehicle's tether, allowing low-voltage cabling to function without specialized hull penetrations.
The players
USS Pasadena
A Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine that served as the primary test site for the drone deployment trial.
Formlabs
A 3D printing manufacturer specializing in stereolithography and selective laser sintering hardware used for industrial prototyping.
The details
Technicians designed an external harness to route signals from the vehicle's tether through the torpedo tube's connection points. This configuration avoids drilling into the submarine's pressure hull, a standard procedure that typically requires significant boat downtime. The 3D-printed part provides the necessary watertight seal to protect the sensitive electronics during the launch process.
Timeline
August 11, 2026: The Navy released new requirements to fast-track metal 3D printed parts.
August 24, 2026: Sailors executed the underwater drone trial aboard the USS Pasadena.
July 2027: The ongoing sensor fusion program for metal additive manufacturing is scheduled to conclude.
The Tech Race
The Navy is increasingly looking to additive manufacturing to circumvent the industrial bottleneck of conventional submarine maintenance. This trial advances the mission-readiness of individual crews to perform repairs and inspections that previously required yard-level interventions.
This development indicates a shift in naval maintenance capability, potentially increasing the availability of fleet assets by reducing time spent in dry dock for minor modifications. The process demonstrates that commercial-off-the-shelf 3D printing can meet extreme environmental requirements.
The takeaway
The success of this trial validates the use of rapid prototyping for mission-critical hardware in austere environments. Watch for the forthcoming release of the formal Personnel Qualification Standard card, which will define how crews are trained to operate these systems during active deployments.
Further reading
Explore how the military is integrating autonomous systems into marine operations at Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
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