GORE® Ethernet Cables for Defense Aircraft
Proven to solve complex routing challenges, our Ethernet cables provide superior protection and performance in small, lightweight and flexible designs. We offer several cable constructions that meet Cat5e/6 and even exceed Cat6a high-speed data protocol requirements on airborne digital networks.
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Resource Library
Data Sheet: GORE® Ethernet Cables (4 Pairs, Cat5e/6/6a) for Aircraft
Data Sheets, 498.31 KB
Download technical information — including cable properties/characteristics, applications, qualifications, performance data, connector-cable compatibility, cable preparation, and ordering information.
English (U.S.)
All Resources For GORE® Ethernet Cables for Defense Aircraft
- Technical Information (48)
- Drawings (13)
- Test Data (7)
- White Papers (5)
- Data Sheets (4)
- Authorized Distributors (3)
- Videos (3)
- Brochures (2)
- Industry Articles (2)
- FAQ (1)
- Part Number Information (1)
Overview
As the defense sector continues to require faster digital networks in avionics, cables need to transmit data reliably at much higher rates. At the same time, the aerospace industry is moving away from proprietary networks to open-source architectures and standardized protocols, like Ethernet.
GORE Ethernet Cables meet the increasing data demands of modern airborne digital networks. We manufacture a selection of cables in several configurations and performance lengths that support standard Ethernet protocols to meet your specific application needs and requirements. You can be confident that our high-density cables will deliver high data rate transmission without failing in demanding aircraft environments for mission success.
Easier Installation with Routable Designs
Our Ethernet cables can significantly reduce size and weight without compromising durability or signal integrity. The smaller cable diameters also allow for greater flexibility and a tighter bend radius. All of this means that our Ethernet cables can be easily installed or retrofitted in new and existing aircraft structures without breaking or failing for less maintenance, downtime and overall costs. You can also reduce additional signal amplification in your system architecture because of the superior electrical performance of our cables, decreasing weight and power requirements even more.
Benefits
GORE Ethernet Cables provide aircraft system architects and engineers with many benefits that improve electrical and mechanical performance such as:
- excellent signal integrity with stable performance after installation and over time
- meet and exceed standardized high-speed data protocol requirements
- highly robust constructions tolerate harsh aircraft conditions
- smaller, lighter weight designs with greater flexibility, tighter bend radius
- less need for additional signal amplification further reduces weight/power requirements
- compatible with variety of high-speed aerospace connector systems/backshells
- selected pre-qualified samples with short lead times for prototyping and evaluation
- low technical risk based on validated product performance in real-world conditions
For more information about the benefits of our cables, please contact a Gore representative.
4 Pairs (Cat5e/6/6a)
Our award-winning Ethernet Cat6a version exceeds stringent electrical requirements and delivers excellent signal integrity with sufficient margin for high-speed data transmission up to 10 Gb at lengths up to 80 m (262 ft). This version is approved to SAE AS6070™ standards that support AS50881 EWIS (electrical wiring interconnection systems) specifications and on the Qualified Products List (QPL). Our Cat6a version is also qualified according to C21091 specifications and has been selected for aircraft program upgrades, like the F-16 and more.
Reduced cable diameter
Our Ethernet Cat6a cables have a unique compact design that is 24% smaller and 25% lighter than alternative designs. In fact, this 4-pair version is proven to save 5.9 kg/km (13 lb/1000 ft) on aircraft.
Proven Installed Performance
We designed a simulator to evaluate the effects of severe bending on cables while being routed through an airframe. Results showed that our Ethernet Cat6a version delivered lower signal attenuation, reduced crosstalk and improved shielding effectiveness after routing compared to alternative cables available on the market today.
CONNECTOR-CABLE COMPATIBILITY
Download our best practices for terminating our 4-pair Ethernet cables with leading high-speed aerospace connectors and related electrical data for connector-cable compatibility.
High-density construction of GORE Ethernet Cables (4 Pairs, Cat5e/6/6a)
Applications
GORE Ethernet Cables (4 Pairs, Cat5e/6/6a) are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of aircraft applications, including:
- avionics network
- cabin/flight management systems
- digital video systems
- Ethernet backbone
- program upgrades (C-130, F-16, KC-135, UH-60)
If you have any questions or to discuss your specific application needs, please contact a Gore representative.
Properties
These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE Ethernet Cables (4 Pairs, Cat5e/6/6a).
Download the data sheet for technical information and performance data.
| Electrical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Impedance (Ohms) | 100 ± 10 |
| Typical Operating Voltage (V) | < 15 |
| Nominal Velocity of Propagation (%) | 80 |
| Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft) | 4.10 (1.25) |
| Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft) | 42.6 (13.0) |
| Minimum Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) (dB) 10 MHz 100 MHz 500 MHz |
59.2 52.3 42.2 |
| Shielding Effectiveness (dB) | > 55 |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (Vrms) Conductor-to-Conductor Conductor-to-Shield |
1500 1000 |
| Mechanical / Environmental Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Jacket Material | Engineered Fluoropolymer |
| Jacket Color | White (Laser Markable) |
| Conductor | Silver-Plated Copper or SPC Alloy |
| Conductor Color-Coding | Solid Blue & White / Blue Stripe Solid Orange & White / Orange Stripe Solid Green & White / Green Stripe Solid Brown & White / Brown Stripe |
| Dielectric Material | ePTFE/PTFE |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -65 to +200 |
Part Numbers & Drawings
Download the drawings to view cable characteristics, like diameter, weight, minimum bend radius and insertion loss.
| Cat6a Part Number | AWG Size (Stranding) |
|---|---|
| RCN8966-24 | 24 (19/36) |
| RCN9034-24 | 24 (19/36) |
| RCN8966-26 | 26 (19/38) |
| RCN9047-26 | 26 (19/38) |
| RCN9034-28 | 28 (19/40) |
| Cat5e Part Number | AWG Size (Stranding) |
|---|---|
| GSC-01-83471-00 | 24 (19/36) |
| GSC-01-83472-00 | 26 (19/38) |
Qualifications
GORE Ethernet Cables (4 Pairs, Cat5e/6/6a) have undergone substantial qualification testing to ensure they meet the most current industry standards and our customers’ requirements.
Fill out a short form to receive a complimentary sample of our pre-qualified cables for prototyping and evaluation from our authorized global distributors, Air Cost Control (Europe) or WireMasters (US).
Quadrax (Cat5e)
When you don’t want to use a standard 4-pair design in your system architecture, our star quadrax design is a perfect alternative to meet Ethernet Cat5e protocol requirements. These dual differential pairs transmit continuous bi-directional, high-speed signals up to 100 MHz at lengths up to 70 m (230 ft) using size 24 AWG and 50 m (164 ft) using size 26 AWG. They’re also proven to be a reliable substitute to dual twisted pair cables for meeting high data rate needs.
We're the original inventor of this pioneering quadrax cable geometry that is about 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions. Our cable’s lightweight build is also proven to save more than 5.0 kg (11 lb) on aircraft like the latest fifth-generation F-35.
Lightweight build of GORE Ethernet Cables (Quadrax, Cat5e)
Applications
GORE Ethernet Cables (Quadrax, Cat5e) are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of aircraft applications, including:
- avionics networks
- box-to-box systems
- digital visual interface (DVI)
- Ethernet backbone
- flight control
- mission systems
- propulsion control
If you have any questions or to discuss your specific application needs, please contact a Gore representative.
Properties
These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE Ethernet Cables (Quadrax, Cat5e).
Download the data sheet for technical information and performance data.
| Electrical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Impedance (Ohms) | 100 ± 10 |
| Typical Operating Voltage (V) | < 15 |
| Nominal Velocity of Propagation (%) | 80 |
| Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft) | 4.10 (1.25) |
| Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft) | 50.0 (15.2) |
| Minimum Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) (dB) 10 MHz 100 MHz |
50.0 35.0 |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (Vrms) Conductor-to-Conductor Conductor-to-Shield |
2500 |
| Mechanical / Environmental Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Jacket Material | Engineered Fluoropolymer |
| Jacket Color | White (Laser Markable) |
| Conductor | Silver-Plated Copper Alloy |
| Conductor Color-Coding | Blue/Red, Green/Yellow |
| Dielectric Material | ePTFE/PTFE |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -65 to +200 |
Part Numbers & Drawings
Download the drawings to view cable characteristics like diameter, weight, minimum bend radius and insertion loss.
| Part Number | AWG Size (Stranding) |
|---|---|
| GSC-03-84608-00 | 24 (19/36) |
| GSC-03-84820-00 | 26 (19/38) |
Qualifications
GORE Ethernet Cables (Quadrax, Cat5e) have undergone substantial qualification testing to ensure they meet the most current industry standards and our customers’ requirements.
- ABD0031 (AITM 2.0005); BSS7230; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part I: Flammability
- ABD0031 (AITM 3.0005); BSS7239: Toxicity
- ABD0031 (AITM 3.0008B); BSS7238; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part V: Smoke Density
- AFDX/ARINC 664, Part 7: Ethernet Networks
- ANSI/NEMA WC 27500: Environmental Testing, Jacket and Marking
- IEEE 802.3: Ethernet 100BASE-T / 1000BASE-T (2 cables)
- SAE AS4373™: Test Methods for Insulated Electric Wire (Contact Gore for available data)
Fill out a short form to receive a complimentary sample of our pre-qualified cables for prototyping and evaluation from our authorized distributors, Air Cost Control (Europe) or WireMasters (US).
2 Pairs (Cat5e)
For Ethernet Cat5e protocol, our 2-pair cable is an ideal solution if you don’t want to use a 4-pair or quadrax design in your system architecture. This version preserves signal integrity, significantly exceeds crosstalk requirements, and reliably carries high-speed data up to 1 GHz. You can also position 2 of our cables side by side to achieve Ethernet 1000BASE-T performance.
Our 2-pair Ethernet cable is mechanically strong and can easily tolerate rough aircraft conditions, like extreme temperatures and constant vibration during flight. It has a smaller, more flexible form factor with tighter bending capability. If you’re an aircraft maintainer, then you’ll find it much easier and faster to route our cable, especially in complex airframes with less space.
Smaller form factor of GORE Ethernet Cables (2 Pairs, Cat5e)
Applications
GORE Ethernet Cables (2 Pairs, Cat5e) are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of aircraft applications, including:
- avionics networks
- cabin management systems
- digital video systems
- Ethernet backbone
- serial buses
If you have any questions or to discuss your specific application needs, please contact a Gore representative.
Properties
These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE Ethernet Cables (2 Pairs, Cat5e).
Download the data sheet for technical information and performance data.
| Electrical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Impedance (Ohms) | 100 ± 10/-5 |
| Typical Operating Voltage (V) | < 15 |
| Nominal Velocity of Propagation (%) | 80 |
| Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft) | 4.10 (1.25) |
| Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft) | 41.0 (12.5) |
| Minimum Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) (dB) 10 MHz 100 MHz |
59.2 52.3 |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (Vrms) Conductor-to-Conductor Conductor-to-Shield |
1500 1000 |
| Mechanical / Environmental Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Jacket Material | Engineered Fluoropolymer |
| Jacket Color | White (Laser Markable) |
| Conductor | Silver-Plated Copper or SPC Alloy |
| Conductor Color-Coding | Solid Green & Green/White Stripe Solid Orange & Orange/White Stripe |
| Dielectric Material | ePTFE/PTFE |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -65 to +200 |
Part Number & Drawing
Download the drawing to view cable characteristics like diameter, weight, minimum bend radius and insertion loss.
| Part Number | AWG Size (Stranding) |
|---|---|
| RCN9133-26 | 26 (19/38) |
Qualifications
GORE Ethernet Cables (2 Pairs, Cat5e) have undergone substantial qualification testing to ensure they meet the most current industry standards and our customers’ requirements.
- ABD0031 (AITM 2.0005); BSS7230; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part I: Flammability
- ABD0031 (AITM 3.0005); BSS7239: Toxicity
- ABD0031 (AITM 3.0008B); BSS7238; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part V: Smoke Density
- ANSI/NEMA WC 27500: Environmental Testing, Jacket and Marking
- ANSI/TIA 568-C.2: Performance Requirements
- IEEE 802.3: Ethernet 100BASE-T /1000BASE-T (2 cables)
- SAE AS4373™: Test Methods for Insulated Electric Wire (Contact Gore for available data)
Fill out a short form to receive a complimentary sample of our pre-qualified cables for prototyping and evaluation from our authorized distributors, Air Cost Control (Europe) or WireMasters (US).
Cable Routing Simulators
Gore has been a long-time supporter of testing our products extensively to show how reliably they perform in real-world conditions before launching them to market. So, we designed a cable routing simulator to evaluate the effects of severe bending on high-speed data cables while being routed through an airframe.
Testing characteristics such as return loss and crosstalk after routing through the simulator verifies whether a cable can withstand complex installation challenges that can degrade signal integrity and lead to failures over time. Now, manufacturers can be sure they’re getting a robust Ethernet cable that delivers superior performance over the life of the aircraft — ultimately reducing maintenance, downtime, and total costs.
For more information about our cable routing simulator and the effects of installation on Ethernet Interconnects, download the white paper.
We also designed an aviation display that mimics an airframe bulkhead to demonstrate the challenges engineers face when designing an Ethernet system. We connected our cables to common avionic components, like cockpit displays, mission computers and aircraft survivability equipment. Our Ethernet cables were also terminated with leading aerospace connector systems that support standard protocols.
Our demonstration shows how easy it is to bend, flex and route our cables through existing bulkheads with tight spaces.
Watch Gore engineers in these videos and more on YouTube demonstrating the durability of GORE Aerospace High Speed Data Cables.
Resources
View all resources for GORE Ethernet Cables for Defense Aircraft
Recent News
Press Release
W. L. Gore & Associates Data Cables Earn German VG Military Qualification
Posted September 14, 2021
Gore announced today several of its next-generation data cable products for aerospace and defense applications have earned an important qualification. The prestigious VG designation from the Bundeswehr, Germany’s unified armed forces as well as related civilian administrative and procurement organizations, is expected to facilitate further adoption of these cables for military use.
Press Release
W. L. Gore & Associates Offers Ultra-low-loss 12G-SDI Coaxial Video Cable for Defense Applications
Posted September 10, 2021
Gore announced the expansion of its Coaxial Cables line for defense land system applications. The new product is smaller and lighter than previous offerings, yet capable of transmitting ultra-high-definition (UHD) 4K video with excellent shielding from radio frequency interference.
Gore is exhibiting virtually at this year’s International Microwave Symposium (IMS), and you’re invited to visit our virtual booth. We’ll describe how our proven portfolio of durable microwave/RF test assemblies delivers stable and consistent performance for reliable 5G test results.
Gore announced today it was named a Silver Supplier for exceptional performance and contributions to supply chain success in 2020 by BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector.
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