D. Hubler
Firestorm Labs Inc, United States
Keywords: Expeditionary manufacturing, additive manufacturing, modular UAS
xCell revolutionizes military logistics with a deployable, MILSPEC additive manufacturing system, empowering warfighters to produce and repair mission-critical parts, including modular UAS and Class IX components, at the tactical edge. Unlike FDM printers with <90% yield and high maintenance, xCell achieves 95%+ yield, superior surface finish (5 µm Ra vs. 20-25 µm), and complex geometries without support structures, enabling rapid, high-volume production. Its containerized, austere-environment-ready design contrasts fragile FDM farms, supporting Soldier-driven innovation and rapid prototyping. Demonstrated at PC-C5, xCell produced Firestorm's Group 2 mUAS, Tempest platforms, repaired Tempest in less than 72 hours to full operation post crash, and manufactured diverse government-owned IP, including an Army Division Innovation Lab's Group 1 UAS quads (capable of producing 14 platforms in 10 hours vs FDM production of one platform in 8 hours), as well as producing Class IX parts at a fraction of traditional DLA ordering costs. By reducing depot reliance and addressing contested logistics, xCell enhances mission readiness, aligns with DoD priorities, and could transform defense sustainment, revitalize industrial bases, and foster resilient, distributed manufacturing, impacting military and commercial markets and strengthening societal logistics resilience.