Military officials say that a recent exercise at Camp Atterbury led to a new first: 3d printing aboard an in-flight combat aircraft. According to the Indiana National Guard, the tactical 3d printing happened aboard a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during the Technology and Readiness Experimentation, or T-REX, exercise held in August. The printing system produced parts for unmanned aerial units while the helicopter performed tactical maneuvers at altitude. The T-REX 25-2 exercise was held at Camp Atterbury and Franklin. Military officials say that the successful trial means that rather than having to rely on long supply chains, military forces could soon design and produce replacement parts and equipment closer to the tactical edge.