SBIR-STTR Award

Construction Scale 3D Printing for the Air Force
Award last edited on: 2/8/2021

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$8,942,348
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF191-004
Principal Investigator
Alexander Le Roux

Company Information

ICON Technology Inc

444 East Saint Elmo Road Suite B
Austin, TX 78745
   (713) 894-5484
   N/A
   www.iconbuild.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 35
County: Travis

Phase I

Contract Number: FA3002-19-P-A112
Start Date: 3/6/2019    Completed: 3/6/2020
Phase I year
2019
Phase I Amount
$49,346
The ability to rapidly deploy shelter is critical to a lethal and resilient force. New and innovative technologies are needed to advance the capabilities of civil engineers and RED HORSE units to deploy an "air base in a box," which would allow USAF to quickly move to a vacant airfield and set up operations. ICON is developing a technology that could offer a step advance in the ability of expeditionary teams to rapidly deploy shelter and base defenses using 3D printing of concrete structures. 3D-printed tactical shelter not only combines the advantages of speed of current soft shelters and survivability of rigid shelters, but opens new operating paradigms. Potential benefits of the technology include survivability, reduced logistical and manpower demands, and lower costs.

Phase II

Contract Number: FA3002-19-P-A177
Start Date: 7/12/2019    Completed: 1/12/2021
Phase II year
2019
Phase II Amount
$8,893,002
The ability to rapidly deploy shelter is critical to a lethal and resilient force. New and innovative technologies are needed to advance the capabilities of Air Force civil engineers and RED HORSE units. ICON is developing a technology that could offer a step advance in the ability of expeditionary teams to rapidly deploy shelter and base defenses using 3D printing of concrete structures. Potential benefits of the technology include survivability, reduced logistical and manpower demands, and lower costs. The overall aim of this Phase II project is to build an enhanced version of ICON's commercial 3D printer and materials delivery system, and demonstrate it in laboratory and relevant environments. Concrete mix with specific properties will be formulated and tested, and structural components and wall segments will be tested in a live-fire exercise. ICON will also develop a military-grade 3D printer, and research and design structures that utilize its full capabilities. The project will be conducted in partnership with Texas Air National Guard's 136th Civil Engineer Squadron, who have executed an MOU to collaborate on this work.