NEW YORK -Alcoa announced that several Alcoa-developed high-performance alloys and products produced from Alcoa operations worldwide are used on China's first regional jet, the ARJ21-700. 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. The ARJ21, developed by major aircraft manufacturer China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I), marks the first step in China's ambitious plan for its civil aircraft manufacturing industry.
Alcoa advanced materials on the ARJ21 include:
- Advanced heat-treated sheet and plate alloys from Alcoa's Davenport (Iowa) plant are used on the airframe and throughout the aircraft, where high-strength, toughness, crack resistance and corrosion resistance are required.
- Alcoa extrusions made from proprietary alloys and process technologies were provided for the wing and fuselage stringers, floor beams and seat tracks. The extrusions are sourced from Alcoa's Lafayette, (Indiana), Changwon (S. Korea) and Chandler, (Arizona) plants.
- Alcoa Fastening Systems' specially engineered aerospace fasteners including engine nuts, inserts and studs are used on the two G.E. CF34-10A engines used to power the aircraft. The G.E. engines are equipped with airfoil castings and structural components from Alcoa's Power and Propulsion businesses in Whitehall, (Michigan), Wichita Falls, (Texas), and Winsted and Branford, (Conn.).
"Advanced Alcoa alloys play an important part in meeting performance goals of China's new regional jet. In addition, Alcoa worked closely with 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," said Helmut Wieser, Alcoa Executive Vice President and Group President, Global Rolled Products and Hard Alloy Extrusions and Asia.
The medium-range, 90-passenger aircraft is designed for decades of service.
