Composed performance

A high-strength aluminium alloy prepared by researchers in the US could significantly improve the performance of next-generation fighter aircraft, specifically the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Developed at AMES, the US Department of Defence laboratory run by Iowa State University, the aluminium-yttrium-nickel-cobalt alloy has the potential to replace heavier and costlier components of ‘cool’ sections of jet engines, such as in fan blades. The material could also be used in other sections of the aircraft, including wing spars.

Larry Jones, director of the Materials Preparation Centre (MPC) at AMES, explained: ‘The hope is that the lighter alloy would essentially reduce engine weight, so we could increase the plane’s efficiency or passenger carrying capability.’

Project partners Pratt & Whitney estimate that replacing jet engine components with the Al-Y-Ni alloy could reduce overall engine weight by 350lb. Jones pointed out that traditionally a reduction of just a few pounds in aircraft weight is considered an achievement.