Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!dali.cs.montana.edu!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!caen!spool.mu.edu!mips!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!newstop!exodus!appserv!sun!amdcad!amdcad!military From: wcsswag@ccs.carleton.ca (Alex Klaus) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: DDG-51 Message-ID: <1991May31.061148.13091@amd.com> Date: 29 May 91 04:23:44 GMT Sender: military@amd.com Organization: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Lines: 32 Approved: military@amd.com From: wcsswag@ccs.carleton.ca (Alex Klaus) Frank Crary (fcrary@lightning.berkeley.edu): Ask what was the change that causess the Arleigh Burkes(DDG-51) to made of steel, rather than aluminium. First in the 60's and 70's, aluminium, was used because it was lighter and cheaper. Less weight means more bang for buck. Also the ships structure, was lighter therefore, more internals could be added. This was popular for most major classes in the USN, RN, and other world navies. Although the alumiuim was light, it has one drawback, it burns at very high temperatures. These temperatures are usually achived, with warhead or shell impact. This problem also occur APC, such a M113APC, do not know about M2/M3]. This drawback, was clearly seen in 1982 in the Falklands war. HMS Sheffield was lost after a missile hit, caused an uncontrollable fire[parts of the hull where white hot]. This was after only the remaining fuel exploded not the warhead. Steel might have been more effective is this situtation. Another example was the fires aboard Sir Tristan, and Sir Galahad, both Amphibious ships, that were bombed, major casualties resulted. The Ardent, Antelope(Amazons), class were also had large amount of aluimium in them. Well that all I have on this subject. Hope I helped. Any correction appriciated. -- Alex <>