Book excerpt: This book covers recent developments and current status of various materials, designs, and manufacturing practices which together contribute towards weight reduction of systems used in defense, aerospace, and automotive sectors. The topics covered in the volume range from new manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, intermetallics, aluminum-based solutions, near net-shaped processes, ultra-light weight metal foam and honeycomb based sandwich structures, advanced high strength steels, magnesium alloy castings and carbon fiber composites. It also talks about specific manufacturing and characterization techniques, property variability and reliability of light weight components. This volume will be useful to researchers, professionals, and students working in the fields of aerospace, transportation and defense.