A nanocarbide precipitation strengthened ultrahigh-strength, corrosion
resistant, structural steel possesses a combination of strength and
corrosion resistance comprising in combination, by weight, about: 0.1 to
0.3% carbon (C), 8 to 17% cobalt (Co), 0 to 5% nickel (Ni), 6 to 12%
chromium (Cr), less than 1% silicon (Si), less than 0.5% manganese (Mn),
and less than 0.15% copper (Cu), with additives selected from the group
comprising about: less than 3% molybdenum (Mo), less than 0.3% niobium
(Nb), less than 0.8% vanadium (V), less than 0.2% tantalum (Ta), less
than 3% tungsten (W), and combinations thereof, with additional additives
selected from the group comprising about: less than 0.2% titanium (Ti),
less than 0.2% lanthanum (La) or other rare earth elements, less than
0.15% zirconium (Zr), less than 0.005% boron (B), and combinations
thereof, impurities of less than about: 0.02% sulfur (S), 0.012%
phosphorus (P), 0.015% oxygen (O) and 0.015% nitrogen (N), the remainder
substantially iron (Fe), incidental elements and other impurities. The
alloy is strengthened by nanometer scale M.sub.2C carbides within a fine
lath martensite matrix from which enhanced chemical partitioning of Cr to
the surface provides a stable oxide passivating film for corrosion
resistance. The alloy, with a UTS in excess of 280 ksi, is useful for
applications such as aircraft landing gear, machinery and tools used in
hostile environments, and other applications wherein ultrahigh-strength,
corrosion resistant, structural steel alloys are desired.