US Army Develops 3D Printed SPARTA Drone for Soldier Use

The US Army Research Laboratory has developed SPARTA, a 3D printed drone co-designed with soldiers. Weighing two pounds, it features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and has a flight time of 30 to 60 minutes. The drone's design allows for easy assembly and repair in the field, with a total cost of just over $1,000. Field tests were conducted by soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division, and SPARTA is now being supplied to the 11th Airborne Division. The Army is engaging with industry for mass production.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory has developed the Soldier Portable Autonomous Reconnaissance Transitioning Aircraft (SPARTA), a 3D printed drone designed with soldier input. SPARTA weighs two pounds, offers vertical takeoff and landing, and has a flight time of 30 to 60 minutes with a range exceeding 30 kilometers.

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It can be rapidly assembled and repaired in the field, costing just over $1,000. Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division tested SPARTA during the Danger Gauntlet exercise at Fort Riley, Kansas, using the Buildable Innovation Shop for Operational Needs (BISON) for on-demand manufacturing. ARL plans to transition SPARTA to mass production.