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Alcoa titanium helps new howitzer hit unprecedented weight and size targets
A radical new design and a breakthrough in titanium casting helped BAE Systems RO Defence reach demanding performance goals with a new lightweight 155mm howitzer system for the US Army.
The new M777 howitzer is 42% lighter and 25% smaller than its predecessor, yet is 25% more effective and 70% more rugged -- all through a combination of advanced BAE systems design and advanced Alcoa casting technology. This new system is the first ever to use titanium -- Ti-6Al-4V alloy -- in land based artillery.
Alcoa helped BAE reach design goals by replacing assembled, riveted components with one-piece titanium castings designed and cast by Alcoa's Howmet business. Overall the solution cut the howitzer's parts count by 80%, and reduced assembly, welding and other processes as well.
Most imortant, the howitzer's new light weight makes it easier for aircraft to deliver the system to the right spot in a battlefield at the right time -- a place where critical timing can save lives and change the outcome of an engagement.
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Alcoa Howmet Castings
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