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
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
![NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks]()
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
