Mike Hoffman: “The United Kingdom’s Tornado became the first fighter jet to fly with 3D printed parts in December. Done by BAE Systems, the Tornado was fitted with metal components constructed by a 3D printer. The plane then completed test flights at the end of December at BAE System’s airfield in Warton, Lancashire. The 3D printer constructed a protective cover for the cockpit radio, a protective guard for the landing gear and support struts on the air intake door, according to BAE Systems. 3D printing has gained a lot of momentum, especially in the defense and aviation industries. Companies such as General Electric featured 3D printers at their booths at the Paris Air Show this past summer to display the relatively new technology. Aviation companies see 3D printing as a tool to produce specialized aviation parts cheaper. Feeding a design into a 3D printer is often cheaper than traditional methods of manufacturing, GE officials said in Paris.”