Alcoa Defense Introduces ArmX Armor, Latest Innovation in Armor Alloys

WASHINGTON--October 10, 2011: Alcoa announced today the launch of the latest innovation in armor alloys that provide optimal protection and survivability for the Defense market with the advantages of light weighting with aluminum. The new armor solution was introduced today at the annual AUSA show here.

“Our customers can now immediately access a full offering of ArmX in large plate and forged specifications enabling efficient designs that will help keep soldiers out of harm's way”

The new armor alloy -- ArmX -- builds upon Alcoa's more than 120 years of alloy expertise to create a product that combines reduced weight with toughness and strength for armor applications. Alcoa developed ArmX armor alloy through proprietary casting technologies applied to unique metal chemistry that ensure uniform properties throughout the material, even in thick sections. ArmX armor uses range from bolt- on appliqu© solutions to vehicle hatches. Additional applications are also in development.

"Our customers can now immediately access a full offering of ArmX in large plate and forged specifications enabling efficient designs that will help keep soldiers out of harm's way," said Alcoa Defense President David Dobson.

ArmX will be produced at Alcoa's facilities in Davenport, Iowa, and Cleveland, Ohio, both of which have been supporting the defense industry with continuous innovation.

"We continue to innovate at our research center in Pittsburgh then quickly move to full rate production based on our internal models and experienced metallurgists," says Tony Morales, Alcoa's Marketing Manager for Aerospace and Defense plate.

"Forged solutions with ArmX add a degree of freedom in design that is crucial to success and cost efficiency," explained Fred Latrash, Director of Marketing and Sales for Alcoa's Forgings business. "With forged solutions using ArmX, we are able to create monolithic shapes for doors, hulls and blast shields moving vulnerable seams away from attack."

"In initial discussions, customers were excited about the detailed data we can share on ArmX and how it can address their immediate needs," said Dobson. "And we are equally excited not only about the product, but the service we can provide in integrating structural solutions to our customers' vehicles to protect occupants from blasts."

About Alcoa Defense

Alcoa Defense partners with industry leaders to design systems and materials that increase the speed, reach, agility and survivability of military platforms. In addition to delivering lightweight, innovative solutions in multiple product forms, Alcoa Defense manufactures subassemblies, prototypes and complete aluminum structures that original equipment manufacturers can integrate into their platforms for land, air and sea.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world's largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa's operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 10 consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world.