The microstructure and mechanical behaviour of an Al-Cu-Li alloy has been examined after processing over a wide range of conditions involving severe deformation at elevated temperatures with prior or subsequent heat treatments. Dislocation cellular or subgrain structures are obtained, with varying degrees of precipitation. High strength, as well as poor ductility, can be correlated with the presence of a high density of fine T1 phase precipitates, with the dislocation substructure playing a smaller role. Careful control of processing conditions allows a suitable combination of good strength with ductility to be obtained. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

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