On Nov 7, Alcoa announced that the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had certified its Davenport, Iowa, facility as the only supplier in the US producing aluminum-lithium alloy 2195 thin plate for the Ares 1 crew launch vehicle, the rocket that will enable astronauts to explore space beyond low earth orbit with the goal of reaching the Moon by 2020.

Davenport will produce almost 1 million pounds of the thin material for this program. The Alcoa Technical Center near Pittsburgh is casting an aluminum-lithium ingot and shipping it to Davenport, where it is rolled into thin plate for additional fabrication.

"Basically, the way back to the Moon is paved right here through Alcoa Davenport," said Steve Cook, director of NASA's Exploration Launch office and Ares project manager.

"It all starts with partners like Alcoa. They are on the front line in Davenport helping us to take on the next exciting chapter in our space exploration efforts."

Alcoa-developed high-performance alloys and products

have been used on China's first regional jet, the ARJ21-700.

Tony Morales, Alcoa global marketing director for aerospace, said that even though production metal is already moving through Alcoa's facility, the qualification from NASA was vital to continue the business.

In 2007, NASA awarded Alcoa an $18.5 million contract to develop the manufacturing capability and to supply the initial requirements of high performance aluminum-lithium plate and ingot that will be used for the Ares vehicle upper stage.

Learning from Ares 1 will benefit the Ares V5, which will be the heavy lift cargo launch vehicle that will also feature Alcoa metal. When the actual mission to the Moon becomes reality, the plan will be to launch Ares V5 first and then launch the crew of up to six astronauts in Ares 1. The two rockets will dock in space and explore the Moon and other parts of the solar system.

In the past 120 years, Alcoa has accumulated significant experience and achieved unprecedented position in aluminum industry - why NASA has chosen it as the only supplier in the US.

Partnership with China

In recent years, Alcoa has accelerated its cooperation with China's industries and governments in areas ranging from aerospace and transportation to building and construction.

Several Alcoa-developed high-performance alloys and products produced from Alcoa operations worldwide have been used on China's first regional jet, the ARJ21-700, including the advanced heat-treated sheet and plate alloys on the airframe and throughout the aircraft.

Alcoa Fastening Systems' specially engineered aerospace fasteners, including engine nuts, inserts and studs, are used on the two GE CF34-10A engines used to power the aircraft.

Alcoa worked closely with major aircraft manufacturer China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) on determining material recommendations for various components of the aircraft, as well as holistic factory floor manufacturing support on such aspects as dimensional design and surface attributes.

The ARJ21, developed by AVIC I, marks the first step in China's ambitious plan for its civil aircraft manufacturing industry. The first ARJ21 rolled off the production line in Shanghai last December and is expected to be ready for delivery to its first customers in 2009.

During the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Alcoa fulfilled its commitment to contributing to Green Olympics by providing lightweight aluminum for transportation systems and aluminum composite materials on several new venues.

As natural resource shortages worsen, the Chinese government and industries have deepened their understanding on environmental protection and resource saving. Aluminum has been applied in many uses of daily life due to its energy efficiency and high performance attributes.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined.

It serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction, transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities to its customers.

In addition to flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa wheels, fastening systems, precision, castings and building systems.

The company has 97,000 employees in 34 countries and regions and was named one of the most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

(China Daily 12/01/2008 page9)