MDANG Expeditionary B-Hut: 3D-Printed Military-Grade Demonstration Structure
At Warfield Air National Guard Base, in collaboration with the 175th Wing of Maryland Air National Guard, the Mobile MX3DP system was used to print an expeditionary B-Hut on-site. This project demonstrated the mobility, agility and ruggedness of X-Hab 3D’s tracked, self-powered 3D concrete printing (3DCP) system for military operating environments, such as forward operating bases and austere-site infrastructure.
Project Details
- Location: Warfield Air National Guard Base (Martin State Airport),
Middle River, MD - Structure Size: 16′ × 32′ × 9′
- Printer Used: X-Hab 3D MX3DP Mobile 3DCP System
- Material Source: 3DCP printing mixture supplied by Sika USA
ABOUT THE BUILD
The MDANG B-Hut project was X-Hab 3D’s first large-scale demonstration for a U.S. military partner. The goal was to show how a mobile 3D concrete printing system can support expeditionary engineering and forward-operating needs. The work focused on proving rapid deployment, automated wall construction, and the ability to build in locations where power, labor, or stable infrastructure may be limited.
The team used the demonstration to set baseline performance benchmarks for future coordination with Air Force Civil Engineering, PACAF, and Indo-Pacific defense partners. Maryland Air National Guard personnel observed how the system performed in terms of durability, transportability, and output under conditions relevant to DoD-grade construction.
ON-SITE PRINTING
The B-Hut was printed on-site with the X-Hab MX3DP system, which operated entirely on its own power. The crew monitored Sika USA's 3DCP mix throughout the print and made adjustments as needed to maintain a steady extrusion. Wall geometry and alignment were checked regularly to stay within the tight tolerances required for the project.
The printed walls formed the load-bearing structure for the B-Hut, including the interior walls and the exterior printed surface. Cavities built into the walls were sized for reinforcement, insulation, and later integration with doors, windows, HVAC, and electrical systems.
WHY IT MATTERS
This project gave the Maryland Air National Guard and other defense groups a direct look at how a mobile 3D concrete printer performs during an actual build. The work also helped X-Hab 3D establish reference points for future discussions with AFCEC, AFWERX, PACAF, and Indo-Pacific partners. The print provided real data on schedule, mobility, and material handling in a military environment and served as a starting point for evaluating how the technology could be used in locations with limited power, labor, or infrastructure.
PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
The project was completed in collaboration with:
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X-Hab 3D — design, engineering, and 3DCP operations
