WHITEHALL — The National Defense Authorization Bill for fiscal year 2006 will mean more business for Howmet Corp.’s Whitehall Castings division. The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the bill last month.

The bill authorizes over $255 million for Army research on combat vehicle and automotive technologies, focusing on vehicle defense systems, engine breakthroughs like hybrid applications, advanced materials for armor and the use of robotics.

As part of the funds allocated for Michigan projects, $4 million is pegged for Howmet Castings. Half the amount is going to Howmet for its work on the Air Force’s Metals Affordability Initiative, a government-industry cooperative program to develop new aerospace materials and alloys. Howmet’s role is to develop new materials that will reduce aircraft engine maintenance costs to help enable the next generation of fighter aircraft and unmanned air vehicles.

The other half of the $4 million in funding is earmarked for continued research on materials for use in an Army non-line of sight cannon. Howmet will play what the government calls “an integral role” in the development of this device. The project is part of the Army’s Future Combat Systems initiative.

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This article appeared in the June 13, 2005 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who do business in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz Network, visit www.mibiz.com.