In less than 12 months, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Divergent transformed a digital drone concept into a full-scale physical prototype.
Known as Replicator, the 2.7-meter (9-foot) platform was produced using Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), an additive manufacturing solution designed to shorten build cycles.
The tool combines engineering design, structural analysis, manufacturing, and quality validation within a unified digital environment, linking the entire process into a single workflow.
Any adjustment to materials or engineering parameters is automatically reflected across production planning and analysis without requiring manual re-entry.
This allows teams to move from concept to production faster than through conventional development methods.
“The collaboration with Divergent Technologies reflects that same priority: accelerating how quickly advanced capabilities can move from design to production,” Lockheed Martin stated.
“By pairing our aeronautical expertise with DAPS, the team demonstrated what a digital design-to-production model can do.”
Backed by $25M Investment
The project follows Lockheed’s $25-million investment in Divergent to explore additive manufacturing applications for advanced munitions and the Replicator vehicle concept.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth viewed the drone during a recent visit to Divergent as part of his nationwide “Arsenal of Freedom” tour.
According to him, the Replicator highlights how advanced manufacturing technologies could strengthen the US defense industrial base and accelerate the delivery of military capabilities.
The drone and related collaborative projects remain in the early development phase, and not all are expected to advance into formal acquisition programs, production, or operational deployment.
