WASHINGTON–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today the development of a new aluminum alloy
armor plate solution – C79A. Designed to better protect soldiers in
combat environments, C79A will be introduced for military vehicle
applications at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter
Symposium and Exhibition in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
“For more than a century, Alcoa has been the world leader in aerospace
alloy innovation,” said David Dobson, president, Alcoa Defense. “Almost
all aerospace alloys in use today were developed by Alcoa. We are taking
that same commitment to alloy innovation and applying it to the defense
armor market to make the military lighter, faster and stronger.”
C79A allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to use traditional
welding techniques during assembly without compromising long-term
vehicle performance, so it is ideal for both appliqué armor as well as
integral vehicle armor. Compared to conventional armor solutions, such
as 6061-T651, C79A delivers improved ballistic performance. It also
increases strength by 30 percent, which enables vehicle OEMs to improve
durability while reducing weight. Additionally, compared to 5083-H131,
C79A offers a ten percent improvement in fragment simulation projectile
(FSP) performance.
A secure, domestic source for critical military components and materials
for more than a century, Alcoa produces C79A at its aluminum rolling
mill in Davenport, Iowa. Since its construction in 1948, the Davenport
facility has been widely recognized as one of the world’s most
technologically advanced rolling mills.
AUSA Winter Symposium attendees can learn more about C79A by visiting
Alcoa Defense at booth 2222.
About Alcoa Defense
Alcoa Defense partners with industry
leaders to design systems and materials that increase the speed, reach,
agility and survivability of today’s and tomorrow’s strategic platforms.
Through an unmatched combination of defense and commercial engineering,
Alcoa delivers multi-product, lightweight and cost-effective solutions
for programs ranging from the F35 Joint Strike Fighter to the M777
Howitzer to armored tactical and fighting vehicles. More information can
be found at www.alcoadefense.com.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and
management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina
combined, through its active and growing participation in all major
aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive,
packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and
industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other
capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum
products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy
extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening
systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The
Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in
the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been
a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive
years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.