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Alcoa Defense Debuts New Armor Solution at AUSA Winter

WASHINGTON--Alcoa 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.

“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.”

“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.