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 âair base in a box,â 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.
