Popular Science:
As President Trump tries to garner enthusiasm for an undefined U.S. “Space Force”, China has been making steady progress in its own space and military operations, including advances in 3D printing, energy storage, scramjet test platforms, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
TSC Beijing, a Chinese titanium manufacturer, successfully 3D printed a titanium fuselage central box for its high-speed aircraft, which cuts production time from two years down to just six months.
TSC used the 3D laser printer TSC-S4510 to print the fuselage, within an error tolerance of less than 0.5mm. The intended aircraft was identified only as a “high-speed” aircraft. Given its narrow wing roots, and 23-foot total length, it is likely a hypersonic UAV.
