Aluminium-lithium alloy (Al 2195)

Properties and usage

A Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) on its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Kennedy.

It is 30 % stronger and 5 % less dense than the Al 2219 alloy used in the original Space Shuttle's external tank.

Metallurgical formula

The alloy composition of Al 2195 aluminium is:

1. Aluminium: 91.9 to 94.9%
2. Copper: 3.7 to 4.3%
3. Lithium: 0.8 to 1.2%
4. Manganese: 0.25 to 0.8%
5. Silver: 0.25 to 0.6%
6. Zirconium: 0.08 to 0.16%
7. Iron: 0.15% max
8. Silicon: 0.12% max
9. Titanium: 0.1% max
10. Zinc: 0.25% max
11. Residuals: 0.15% max

Nations that produce it

1. USA (most)
2. Canada (small)
3. Japan (minimal)
4. UK (minimal)

Also see

1. What is an 'alloy'?
2. Space Shuttle
3. Lockheed D-21
4. Useful metals
5. Nickel
6. What is an 'alloy'
7. What is 'galvanizing'
8. Thoriated magnesium (AKA- Mag-Thor)