Defence
Military cable and harness solutions for air, land and sea
Military systems require reliable power and signal transmission under extreme operating conditions. Since the 1970s, we have been developing specialised cable and harness solutions for this purpose, which are used in radar and communications systems as well as in vehicle platforms, maritime applications and unmanned systems.
The focus is on durable, robust and standards-compliant connection solutions that ensure stable electrical performance even under continuous load. Both mechanical and electromagnetic factors are systematically taken into account right from the development phase
Challenges in the defence sector
Thermal stress across a wide range of temperatures (e.g. −55 °C to >200 °C)
Continuous vibrations and mechanical shocks
Pressure differences and changing environmental conditions (air, water, vacuum)
Electromagnetic interference whilst maintaining high signal integrity
Safety requirements relating to fire behaviour and smoke emission
Compliance with military standards such as VG standards or MIL-Spec
Technical Solutions and System Integration
Our cable and harness solutions are designed to form an integral part of complex systems. They are engineered specifically for each application, taking into account the installation conditions, load profile and electrical requirements.
A key focus is on the combination of material selection, structural geometry and shielding technology. This makes it possible to create both compact and highly robust cable systems.
Typical design features:
Halogen-free, flame-retardant insulation and sheathing materials
EMC-optimised shielding designs to reduce interference coupling
Weight-optimised cable assemblies combined with high mechanical stability
Highly flexible designs for applications involving movement
Increased current-carrying capacity in confined spaces
Approvals
The implementation of military projects requires comprehensive documentation and compliance with defined qualification procedures. Our development processes are designed to map out all requirements in a transparent manner and to implement them in a way that can be verified.
The focus is not only on compliance with VG standards and military specifications, but also on the long-term reproducibility of product characteristics.
Our approvals:
Def Stan 61-12 | VG 95218 (with and without halogen).
Thanks to the experience gained from many years of defence projects, even complex specifications can be implemented efficiently.
Areas of application
The areas of application are wide-ranging, extending from traditional platform solutions to highly integrated electronic systems.
These include, amongst others:
Weapon and stabilisation systems
Military land vehicles and armoured platforms
Naval applications, including submarines
Radar and communications systems
Military vehicles and platforms
Command and communication systems
Integration of cable harnesses into complex assemblies
Applications
Our range of services
Single and multi-cores
Core sizes from 36 AWG up to 95mm2 (cabled). Single cores up to 400mm2. Mark and trace or standard colour separation available for most materials, with bi-colour and tri-colour options available on request.
Data cables
77Ω, 90Ω, 100Ω and 120Ω shielded and un-shielded pairs.
Vent tubes and hoses
PE, PTFE, ETFE and PA tubes in sizes from 1mm up to 18mm. lncorporated for buoyancy, pneumatics and cooling.
Signal cables
Shielded and un-shielded options in a range of materials.
Shielding (screening)
A variety of shielding options available, including optimised braided and lapped (served) copper wires, foil and drain-wire shields, superscreened constructions, for both magnetic and electrical protection
Thermocouple pairs
Most common extension and compensation cables (e.g. EX, JX, KX, NX, TX, KCB and RCA/SCA types).
Fillers
Low, medium and high-temperature fillers in solid, fibrous and water-swellable options for improved cable lay-up. Voids in the cable can be filled using low temperature filling compound or Silicon to make the cables water tight
Coaxial cables
50Ω, 75Ω and 95Ω options in standard sizes from 1mm up to approx. 10mm. Standard and high-temperature (+200°C) options available in accordance with DSP 61-12 Part 9 and MIL-C-17.
Tapes and binders
Medium and high-temperature binders (incl. water-swellable) for improved dynamic performance and layer separation.
Armouring
Stainless steel braids for cut-through resistance.
Aramid strain relief
Encapsulated or stand-alone braids and central strength members with breaking strains up to approx. 60 kN.
Sheathing (Jacketing)
Diameters up to 70mm and temperatures ranging from -75°C up to +260°C.
Our portfolio for defence applications
One key focus is on the implementation of specific, application-driven solutions. Typical examples include highly flexible cable harnesses for moving assemblies or EMC-optimised cables for interference-sensitive signal transmission.
Bespoke wires, cables and cable harnesses for radar systems, weapon stations, vehicles, ships, sonar systems, submarines, aircraft, etc.
Wires in accordance with BS 3G 210
Hi-Flex™ power cable
Lightweight marine cables in accordance with DNV GL/ABS/BV/CCS/LR/NK
Other cables certified to national and OEM standards
Compact harness solutions for high packing densities
Contact & Project Enquiries
Our team of cable and cable harness experts can also assist you with the development, implementation and documentation of these stringent standards. This ensures you receive a solution that is precisely tailored to your needs, whilst meeting the highest standards of quality and reliability.