IperionX Limited (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is proud to announce a recently signed Test Services Agreement and Statement of Work with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVSC). The focus of this agreement is to examine the metal characterisation and ballistic testing properties of IperionX’s robust titanium plate components.
The results procured from this collaborative study may be shared with selected U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors who are the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for U.S. Army ground vehicles. Notable manufacturers under consideration for this venture include:
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General Dynamics Land Systems, an arm of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD)
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BAE Systems, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems PLC (LON: BA)
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American Rheinmetall Defense, Inc., the U.S. counterpart of Rheinmetall AG (FRA: RHM)
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Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK)
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AM General, a privately held firm based in South Bend, Indiana
The cutting-edge titanium plate for U.S. Army's ballistic testing is manufactured using powder metallurgy methods, leveraging IperionX’s advanced titanium angular powder. Additionally, the company will implement its patented Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation (HSPT) technologies to bolster the microstructure of titanium. This enhances both strength and fatigue properties, rivaling conventional wrought titanium alloys.
A renowned metal, titanium boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio, significant heat resistance, and superior corrosion resistance. It's integral for multiple U.S. defense applications, including fighter aircraft, naval platforms, and ground vehicles. The potential integration of titanium in Army ground vehicles could lead to lighter, more agile vehicles with improved durability and range.
The U.S. currently relies heavily on imported titanium, with over 95% of defense-required titanium sponge imported. IperionX aims to recalibrate this balance, envisioning a fully integrated domestic titanium supply chain, bolstering the defense sector and reducing foreign dependencies.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is equally proactive in its mission to reduce foreign dependencies, looking at domestic alternatives for the titanium supply chain, ranging from ore mining to recycling titanium scrap.
Brandon Pender, Associate Director GVME, GVSC Head of Materials and Manufacturing, expressed optimism about the collaboration: "The potential of advanced manufacturing with titanium holds the promise of corrosion mitigation and light-weighting in Army ground vehicles. If IperionX can make titanium more affordable, the operational performance and readiness of Army ground systems could significantly improve.”
IperionX CEO, Anastasios (Taso) Arima, mirrored this sentiment: “We are thrilled to partner with DEVCOM GVSC and redefine the titanium sourcing approach for the U.S. defense sector. Our goal is to establish a more sustainable, integrated, and cost-effective U.S. titanium supply chain crucial for America's economic future and national security.”
This press release has been officially authorized for distribution by the CEO and Managing Director.
About us:
IperionX aims to become a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company – using patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions.
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Jane Morgan
