Emergence of Al-Li alloy 2050 for space applications

Over the past ten years Airware alloy 2050 joined Airware alloys 2195 and 2297 as a preferred plate material for both pressurized and non-pressurized structural components of space launchers and crew modules. Over twenty years ago Airware 2195 was selected for the cryogenic sections of External Tank which was an integral component of the Space Shuttle. Airware 2195 provided over 3000kg weight saving and payload improvements due to higher strength/modulus, improvements in SCC and 5% lower density when compared to legacy 2219 plate. Airware 2195 is an excellent choice for structures which require plate up to 60 mm in thickness. To address requirements for structures in the thickness of 60-160 mm Airware 2050 was developed and industrialized. 2050 offers same improvements in strength, fracture toughness and modulus with A rating in the SCC area while expanding thickness range to match the applicable gauge ranges in alloy 2219 and 7050. Drop in replacements allow 5% weight reduction due to lower density of Airware 2050 when compared to 2219. Reengineered structures demonstrate up to 10% weight reduction Excellent ductility (elongation in excess of 20%) in T34 temper permits production of barrel and cone sections thru conventional forming processes such as roll and bump forming on plates up to 150mm thick. Material offers an opportunity to produce spun formed domes with T62 properties well in excess of those that can be obtained using 2219-T62. Recent studies indicate potential for gauge extension up to 215 mm matching alloy 7050-T7451. Airware 2050 has been baselined for the second (upper) stages of two major space launch programs while trade studies indicate that core stage is also a suitable candidate for conversion from legacy 2219. Numerous other noncryogenic applications such as intertanks, adapters and engine sections are currently being studied for conversion.