THOR ("Test of High-tech Objectives in Reality")

It is world’s first 3D printed aircraft ,developed by AIRBUS
Features

• Miniplane
• Windowless
• Weight -21kilos(46 pounds), Length –less than 4m(13 feet)
• pilotless propeller aircraft

Its all part are printed from substance called Polyamide except electrical elements.
It is pioneer and is first step towards use of 3D printing in aviation industry, it can drastically cut down on cost, fuel and time.
New 3D printers can make pieces up to 40 centimeters long and is of most use in particularly complex designs.
It will speed up the development process, It gives triple advantage of “lighter,faster and cheaper”.

Advantage:

• The printed pieces have the advantage of requiring no tools and that they can be made very quickly.
• Metal parts produced are 30%-50% lighter.
• Zero manufacturing waste.
• Ecological benefits as lighter planes will use less fuel and spew few pollutants. Therefore 3D printing can play critical role in reducing carbon emission in future. Moreover air traffic is supposed to get double in next 20 years.

By: Vishal