Aircraft Cable
Aircraft Cable
By Anne Ahira
Aircraft cable is high strength specially constructed cables specifically designed for aircraft or military use.
Aircraft cable is different from wire rope and comes in smaller sizes. Because this is used in aircraft, these cables are made to precise specifications with different strengths for different uses.
Flight control mechanisms use an aircraft cable of either Galvanized steel or of stainless steel. Commercial grade aircraft cable is available and used in many applications from agriculture to home improvement. However, commercial grades of aircraft cable may not be used in aircraft.
Aircraft cable is composed of wires that make up a strand and then strands that make up the rope. When a number is designated for aircraft cable such as Aircraft Cable Wire 7×19 it means that there are 7 strands made up of 19 wires.
The circumference of the aircraft cable is then designated as well as the composition such as steel or galvanized.
Galvanized Aircraft Cable Properties
Galvanized Aircraft Cable is used most often in conditions exposure to corrosive elements is moderate as it tests stronger than Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable, but is less corrosion resistant.
It is also more economical than Stainless Steel aircraft cable and can perform in certain situations better than stainless steel depending upon the properties required.
Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable Properties
Is considered the best quality however it wears from the inside, it is harder to inspect for wear and less flexible and hence a shorter service life than Galvanized Aircraft Cable in conditions where a high degree of flexing or movement is required.
302/304 stainless steel aircraft cable has a greater strength and pull capabilities but is lower in corrosion resistance than 316 aircraft cable.
Where increased strength matters with less susceptibility to fatigue, the trade off for 302/304 can be made. Outdoor applications or conditions that subject the aircraft cable to salt water might benefit from 316 stainless steel aircraft cable.
The commercial applications for aircraft cable are limitless from engineering to home improvement to farm and agricultural uses. Aircraft cable can also be used in marine applications usually stainless steel is preferred because of its resistance to corrosion.
Because its usefulness in home improvement projects, aircraft cable can be purchased in rolls of 250 ft with varying thicknesses and pull strengths. This is commercial grade aircraft cable and therefore not suitable for use in aircraft but economical and very useful in other applications.
When purchasing aircraft cable the break strength or working load limit will be listed depending on the intended use.
Coated coverings are available on both galvanized and stainless steel aircraft cable with the same internal construction as uncoated aircraft cable and may be used in a variety of settings requiring a coated surface such as theater use.
Aircraft cable is usually purchased commercially when a high degree of reliability and strength are required and in situations where wire rope will not be appropriate.
Here's Aircraft Cable Selections:
Campbell 1/4" x 250' Galvanized Cable 7000827 Airc... |
Customer Review: Click Here for More Info |
$98.76 
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Galvanized Steel Aircraft Cable Wire 7x19 1/4" x 2... |
Customer Review: Click Here for More Info |
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Galvanized Steel Wire Rope on Reel, 7x7 Strand Cor... |
Customer Review: Click Here for More Info |
$70.79
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Koch 015021 Cable, 7 by 7 Construction, Trade Size... |
Customer Review: Click Here for More Info |
$44.00
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Seachoice 3/16" Winch Cable... |
Customer Review: Click Here for More Info |
$14.40
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