Abstract: Progress of research and applications on laser surface modifications (laser surface alloying, laser cladding) of advanced aeronautical metallic materials and laser rapid forming of high performance metallic components currently undertaken in the Laboratory of Laser Materials Processing and Surface Engineering is briefly reviewed and the potential applications in the aircraft and gas turbine engines are prospected. The main contents include (1) laser surface alloying and cladding of titanium alloys for wear , oxidation and burn resistance; (2) laser cladding for advanced high temperature self lubrication wear resistant metal and ceramic matrix composite coatings for high temperature brush seal and finger tip seal applications; (3) microstructure and mechanical properties of laser clad advanced high temperature wear and corrosion resistant multi functional refractory metallic silicide composite coatings and processing; (4) laser rapid forming of high performance/functionally graded titanium and superalloys components.

Key words: laser surface modification, titanium alloys, intermetallic composite coatings, high2temperature wear, laser rapid forming