Laser-Based Project Seeks Lighter Army Trucks

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 21 -- Ford Motor Co., the University of Louisville, the US Army and the American Iron and Steel Institute formally launched a laser-based research project for the development of truck technologies for potential use by the US Department of Defense.
The program, called Improved Materials and Powertrain Architectures for Trucks, will begin work on lightweight and durable truck technologies for use in the development of commercial and military trucks. Specifically, researchers will use high-strength steel, laser-welded blanks and improved bonding to substantially reduce the weight of Ford F-Series trucks for possible military use.