The process of evaluating a new material for use in a civil transport aircraft is rather complex and long. The introduction of Al-Li (Aluminum-Lithium) appears as being a particularly difficult item. Initially developed for application in combat aircraft aiming for high strength properties, a civil transport airplane however requires Al-Li in a damage tolerant version. Equivalence to existing alloys is requested (equal or better) but Al-Li demands a compromise between major properties as strength, damage tolerance and corrosion resistance. Progress in achieving acceptable and harmonized material quality is very slow and time constraints have prevented introduction in a planned way in a number of programs. The question is raised whether a cost effective use of Al-Li can be envisaged over the next years. Keywords: Alloys, France, Civil aircraft manufacturer, Metallurgy. (JG)


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