Two candidate replacement alloys are being considered as possible drop-in replacements for A7075-T6 extruded components on the P-3C aircraft (AA7150 and AA7249). Preliminary evaluation indicates that these alloys exhibit improved corrosion resistance without a sacrifice in strength. This paper describes an experimental program that contributes to the body of knowledge required to safely employ AA7249 in lieu of AA7075-T6. This study examines three extrusions and compares the mechanical and EAC properties of each.
Keywords: orientation. aging aircraft, AA7249, aluminum extrusions, environmentally assisted cracking, grain