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The On-Demand Small Unmanned Aircraft System (ODSUAS) is a custom-tailored, miniature 3D printed drone created by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Georgia Technical Institute’s Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory.^[1] It was designed to provide flexible unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) support, where soldiers can input the specific requirements they need, such as size, weight, and endurance, into the mission-planning software before the drone is configured and 3D printed within 24 hours.^[2][3] The process allows the manufacturing of additional drone parts as needed, eliminating the need to carry spare parts for different configurations. While a 3D printer constructs the body of the UAV, the motors, sensors, cameras, propellers, and other apparatus would have to be obtained from a standing inventory.^[3][4]

The device can be tasked for missions involving perimeter surveillance, aerial defense, and reconnaissance.^[5] In December 2016, ARL researchers first tested it at Fort Benning, Georgia as part of the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE) program.^[6] The researchers were given feedback s for possible improvements, such as improved agility, noise reduction, and heavier payload capacity.^[7] The ODSUAS was shown to demonstrate flight speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.^[5]

ARL researchers have stated that the manufacturing of 3D printed drones is only the first step of the project and that the overall goal is to leverage 3D printing as a way to produce mission-specific tools in a short amount of time.^[3]