Amaero wins AU$6.51 million US Defence alloy powder contract
Amaero Inc., headquartered in McDonald, Tennessee, USA, has been awarded an AU$6.51 million contract from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for the development of alternative refractory alloy powders.
High-temperature refractory alloys such as Niobium C103 (C103) are critical for thermal protection systems and propulsion systems for hypersonic and space components. C103 has been a well-established material system for high-temperature aerospace systems since the Apollo lunar mission in 1969. Its appeal stems from its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent ductility and service capability at temperatures above 2,000°C, making it ideal for rocket nozzles, thrusters and hypersonic components. Importantly, C103 has a long-standing material allowable database and history of use.
Developing alternative high-temperature refractory alloys that can be interoperable with C103 has increasingly become an important consideration. Despite its exceptional high-temperature strength and its long history in aerospace propulsion, the insertion of C103 in modern engineering design is constrained by its price inflation and volatility; moreover, there are more recent advanced material developments for other refractory alloys and high-entropy materials. C103 is comprised of approximately 89% Niobium, 10% Hafnium and 1% Titanium. Over the past three years, the price of Hafnium has increased by over 700% and is currently selling for approximately US$12,500/kg.
In consultation with the DoD, US national laboratories, defence and space prime contractors and suppliers, Amaero will shortlist two alternative high-temperature development refractory alloys. Amaero will atomise the refractory alloys using its advanced gas atomisation technology and will manufacture test parts via its PM-HIP process, as well as collaborate with strategic suppliers to additively manufacture coupons and to test the alternative development refractory alloys.
Hank J Holland, Amaero’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “Over the past two years, Amaero has collaborated closely with the US government and the Department of War (“DoW”). In response to the DoW’s supply chain challenge, Amaero commissioned the only EIGA Premium in the US, the most advanced gas atomisation technology for refractory alloy powders. As high-temperature refractory alloy powders are essential to thermal protection systems and propulsion systems in hypersonic and space platforms, it’s essential that we develop the next generation refractory alloy powders. The A$6.5 million award from DoW positions Amaero to down select the most promising alternative refractory alloys and to establish the necessary print and test data to advance maturity and adoption. We appreciate being selected as a trusted and strategic partner with unique technical and production capabilities and we look forward to collaborating with DoW to advance the next generation refractory alloy powders.”
