Alcoa Defense Introduces Innovative Huck 360 and Bobtail Fasteners

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it will offer two new fasteners for the defense market – the Huck 360 and the Bobtail. Offering an unmatched durability, the fasteners will be introduced for military vehicle applications at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium and Exhibition in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

"We are excited to be able to offer the military these innovative new fastening solutions,” said David Dobson, president, Alcoa Defense. "Our fasteners continually set new standards for excellence in the commercial transportation and aerospace industries. Now, we are focused on developing new products like the Huck 360 and the Bobtail that meet the demanding specifications of the armed forces.”

Requiring only a standard wrench or socket for installation and removal, the Huck 360 provides a convenient fastening solution for military applications. Ensuring excellent long-term vibration resistance and durability, the Huck 360 offers a higher clamp load and five times the fatigue strength of conventional lock nuts and bolting systems. Additionally, the Huck 360 eliminates the need for special tooling and patches, adhesives or lock washers to prevent loosening.

The Bobtail fastener provides a strong, durable joining solution for armor, chassis, suspension and body-to-chassis assembly by maintaining joint strength while absorbing sudden impacts. Additionally, Bobtail fasteners maximize vehicle lifespan by enabling repairs or disassembly through the use of available field repair kits.

When designing and manufacturing vehicles, the Bobtail fastener provides maximum flexibility to use the best combination of materials without joining process limitations, as the Bobtail delivers strong joints without compromising the integrity of the materials like conventional welding techniques. Now, dissimilar materials, as well as thick armor plate, can easily be joined.

The Bobtail fastener also streamlines vehicle manufacturing by increasing assembly speed. It achieves consistent, vibration-proof clamp loads without the use of skilled installation labor for time-consuming, traditional welding processes.

AUSA Winter Symposium attendees can learn more about the Huck 360 or Bobtail fasteners by visiting Alcoa Defense at booth 2222.

About Alcoa Defense

Alcoa Defense partners with industry leaders to design systems and materials that increase the speed, reach, agility and survivability of today's and tomorrow's strategic platforms. Through an unmatched combination of defense and commercial engineering, Alcoa delivers multi-product, lightweight and cost-effective solutions for programs ranging from the F35 Joint Strike Fighter to the M777 Howitzer to armored tactical and fighting vehicles. More information can be found at www.alcoadefense.com.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com