We manufacture Mil-Spec fiber and copper cables that are used in nearly every possible application. But just what are those applications? In this article, we address the standards, features, and uses of Mil-Spec cables. We also provide a short case study of our work in this area.
What Are Military Standards?
Military standards are a group of specifications created by US Government organizations. They are used to specify the manufacture of Mil-Spec cables. These standards cover not only cables but wire, shielding, the protective covering, and much more. They also specify the type of application, application environment, materials, and construction.
What Are the Features of Mil-Spec Cables?
Features of Mil-Spec cables include absolute reliability, harsh environments, rigorous standards, a qualified products listing, lot traceability, soldering/crimping process standards, workmanship standards, and cable assembly test reports. Read more about the features in our article 8 Features of Mil-Spec Cables.
Uses of Mil-Spec Cables
Normally you think of Mil-Spec cables being used in critical military or aerospace applications. And you wouldn’t be wrong in that assumption. However, they are also used anywhere their rigorous standards are required. Here’s a starting list.
- Aerospace applications in aircraft as well as ground equipment.
- Military weapons systems from bombs to missiles to torpedoes.
- Military field communication links and encryption systems.
- Antenna systems of every type from military to civil aviation.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and weapons.
- Marine systems and instrumentation on ships and submarines.
- Heavy-duty vehicles from trucks to trailers to tanks.
- Radar applications in airborne, sea-going, and ground-based installations.
- Satellites in Earth orbit as well as exploration vehicles on Mars and throughout space.
- Medical applications from patient monitoring to surgical systems.
- Nuclear power plants for monitoring and controlling systems.
- Any equipment in harsh environments due to high vibration, abrasion, and temperature extremes.
Read more in our article: Critical Aspects of Radiation-Hardened Fiber in Military and Aerospace Applications
Quality Control in Mil-Spec Cables
In all the applications named above, failure is not an option. That’s why the specifications are so rigorous and detailed right down to the required testing. So not only does the manufacturer have to get everything right during manufacturing. It also must test and provide a detailed report on every cable assembly.
That’s why Cables Unlimited is certified under the AS9100 Standard from the Aviation, Space, and Defense (ASD) industry. This standard requires, “creating and maintaining a comprehensive quality system for providing safe and reliable products to the ASD industry.”
Find out more in our article: Importance of Quality Control in Military and Aerospace Cables.
Case Study: Custom Outdoor Tactical Fiber Optic Assembly
From our archives of projects, here’s the story of implementing custom manufacturing for a military application.
A military training base needed a method to analyze shooting and ammunition performance in harsh environmental conditions. Our assembly specialists designed a strategic fiber optic application complete with tactical cable reels and Mil-Spec-rated connectors.
This specialized device monitored the harsh high-heat desert environment’s effects and its impact on the soldiers’ biological condition. The fiber optic cable assembly met the stringent requirements of durability and flexibility to accommodate the equipment’s mobility.
Mobility and rapid cable deployments were requirements for this application. So, we used specialized fiber optic cabling as well as IP67, and IP68 connectors to prevent dust and water damage. All this was paired with tactical reels to address the harsh environmental challenges.
Our custom assembly was precisely what the military required for tracking soldier effectiveness in harsh desert environments.
We Can Help
From this brief case study, you can tell that we can produce Mil-Spec fiber optic and copper cable assemblies for a variety of military and civilian applications.
If your requirements are already specified and ready for a quote, we are ready to meet your deadlines and pricing targets. Our extensive in-house services and advanced manufacturing capabilities are in place to meet your requirements.
But we offer much more than state-of-the-art manufacturing – our dedicated team is also known for going to great lengths to meet the needs of our customers, including working round-the-clock to meet tight turnaround time requirements.
Our sales representatives are standing by to assist you with product questions and quotes Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern. You can also send us an email or complete our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.
