Improved Welding Processes Tested for Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle

摘要

The Navy Joining Center (NJC) is developing advanced technology to support manufacture of the Marine Corps' new Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV). This Navy Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) project is a cooperative effort between the Edison Welding Institute (EWI) and the AAAV Team, which includes General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The all-welded structure of the AAAV is made from 2519-T87 aluminum armor, selected for its excel lent strength-to-weight ratio. Fabrication of the AAAV presents a number of manufacturing challenges. This includes the need to maximize productivity and ballistic performance at a reasonable cost while maintaining close control of tolerances of the space-frame structure to meet performance requirements and maintain a watertight vehicle.