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
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
