Aleris aluminium alloy cleared for US armour applications
A new aluminium alloy developed by Aleris has been cleared for use in North American defence armour applications by the US Army Research Lab (USARL) following extensive review and testing.
The 7017 aluminium alloy – issued MIL-DTL-32505 – has a weld compatibility that gives improved flexibility to armoured vehicle designers, enabling them to incorporate different design characteristics. The balance of elements that comprise Aleris 7017 provides for advanced stress-corrosion cracking resistance while maintaining high strength and weldability properties.
Lawrence Kramer, global defense field engineer, Aleris, said: ‘7017 has a unique combination of properties making it ideal for the most advanced armour solutions. These include high strength, weldability and corrosion resistance. This alloy is currently utilised in Europe and Asia on combat vehicles to achieve superior ballistic protection.’
During testing, USARL put the 7017 through a series of standardised tests to validate the material's performance in the ballistic protection level, corrosion resistance and weldability.
Tyrone Jones, mechanical engineer in the Armor Mechanisms Branch, said: ‘The analysis has resulted in a significant protective benefit as Aluminium Alloy 7017 has demonstrated a reduction in spallation compared with the legacy AA7039. An armour plate must not only arrest the projectile, but mitigate the kinetic energy before it fatally compromises a protected asset.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion]()
Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion
There continues to be an insatiable desire for air-defence and air-launched missiles and systems in the US and worldwide. Lockheed Martin’s latest deals reinforce the demand and highlight the supply chain challenge for manufacturing solid rocket motors.
-
![Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges]()
Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges
Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is being widely ordered and deployed. The company has been working to ramp up production while continuing work to design and produce more potent missiles.
-
![Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports]()
Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports
Kongsberg Defence Australia is building on the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) systems to Australia to win exports with the support of the government through its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise and Global Supply Chain Program.
-
![Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre]()
Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre
The Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) has seen extensive service in Ukraine with an additional six ordered for Ukraine in May.
