These cables are employed throughout an aircraft, used for everything from adjustable seat back control to the controlled movement of the wing flaps and landing gear in planes with analog flight control systems. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Tyler Madison, Inc.
Apple Valley, MN | 888-638-3604Tyler Madison manufactures precision-quality wire ropes for a broad range of industries. They provide companies with a full line of products that are used for powering, lifting, hanging, pulling, braking, suspending & winding of 270lbs - 14,400 lbs tension.
Jersey Strand & Cable, Inc.
Phillipsburg, NJ | 800-528-3900JSC, as one of the most diversified wire rope manufacturers, utilizes over 200 production machines to produce top rated wire products in ferrous and nonferrous materials. Industries that JSC serves include electronics, geophysical and communications.
Lexco Cable Mfg.
Norridge, IL | 800-626-6556Lexco is an ISO:9001 manufacturer of wire rope, cable, and bungee cord assemblies; and push-pull controls. Our in-house capabilities range from swaging and extrusions to die-casting, proof-loading, and CNC machining. Lexco Cable is proud to serve a diverse set of markets including military, aerospace, OEM, MRO, marine, architectural, and more. Contact us today.
Motion Control Technologies, Inc.
Dover, NJ | 973-361-2226For over 30 years, companies across various markets have relied on Motion Control Technologies to provide high-quality mechanical cable solutions. Our line of products includes commercial cable lanyards, galvanized wire rope cable lanyards, swaged fittings, and more. We strive to build long-lasting relationships with our customers, regardless of your industry. Contact us today and tell us how we can help you!
Bergen Cable Technology, Inc.
Fairfield, NJ | 800-237-4369As leading innovative wire rope manufacturers, Bergen Cable Technology has been providing engineering assistance for well over half a century, helping customers develop cost effective, durable solutions.
Aero Assemblies, Inc.
Burnsville, MN | 800-932-0177Aero Assemblies, Incorporated strives to make every effort, as dedicated wire rope manufacturers, to maximize product value throughout the manufacturing process.
St. Pierre Manufacturing Corporation
Worcester, MA | 508-853-8010As family-owned wire rope manufacturers, St. Pierre Manufacturing provides a variety of products and services for a wide range of satisfied customers around the world.
Wire Rope and Aircraft Cables - Tyler Madison, Inc.Aircraft cables are stranded wires that are used in a wide variety of applications on or around aircraft.
They are used as harnesses for electrical wiring as well as tie-downs, stabilizers, safety fasteners, and for many other purposes. Outside of the actual aircraft the same cables may be used in the form of wire rope slings to lift jet engines, wings, and other components into place during assembly or repair. These specialized high strength cables are also used as arresting gear which stops aircraft when landing area is limited by engaging the tail-hook and transferring the kinetic energy.
While aircraft related uses abound and the name seems limiting, aircraft cables are actually very versatile and used in numerous applications where their high strength, corrosion resistance, and smaller diameters are needed. Industries such as agriculture, marine, irrigation, and more commonly use this type of cable as do military and aerospace applications.
Though these cables are a type of wire rope, the main distinction is that wire ropes are commonly available with diameters no smaller than 1/4inch while aircraft cables with diameters as small as 3/64 inch are commonly used.
There are two main types of aircraft cable available based on material composition. The highest quality cable is made of stainless steel, either 316 or 302/304 depending on the application. Stainless steel cables offer high strength, fatigue, and corrosion resistance even in salt water, caustic or other harsh environments.The second type, galvanized cables are steel cables hot dipped in zinc for increased durability and corrosion resistance.
In a mild environment, the latter is an economical alternative as the two have similar pulling strengths, but stainless lasts longer under harsh conditions.
Aircraft cables of either material consist of individual wires twisted and braided into strands which are then laid around cords. Like most wire ropes, aircraft cables are identified by not only the material but the number of strands in a rope followed by the number of wires in each strand. Common configurations include 7 x 19, 7 x 7, 3 x 7, 1 x 19 and 1x7.
Identification codes can also be extended to specifics which are abbreviated to quickly denote core type, workload limit, and more.
Cables are made to suit different applications and as such are produced in a number of different configurations with variable lays, diameters, and materials. As aircraft cable is a specialized form of wire rope, it is important to understand the capabilities of the cable prior to purchase.