lots of experience with those and copper
What do you make out of copper? Do you ever need to heat treat to anneal part way thru the job?
I would think that with all the compound curves in the front a very thin aluminium sheet would be strong enough.
from this chart:
http://www.auto-ware.com/techref/sheetweight.htm
Al .0508 inch thick weighs .716 lbs per square foot
Guesstimate 15 square foot area for nose???
= 10.74 lbs.
Which admittedly assumes there is no need for inner bracing.
Plus you could do a brushed finish on it and clear coat it.
That would look sharp.