GORE® FireWire® Cables for Civil Aircraft
The trend continues to modernize aircraft with new technology, so pilots can receive information in real time and passengers can access videos instantly. Our IEEE 1394b FireWire cables reliably carry high-fidelity signals and data transmission, provide superb protection, endure continuous flexing, and save weight on aircraft.
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Overview
Continuous improvements in avionics keep driving the demand to update commercial aircraft with cables that can transmit lots of data at higher speeds so pilots can receive real-time information and passengers can access in-flight videos quickly. Cables must also be able to survive aircraft environments without breaking or failing, whether it's constant flexing during routing or severe vibration during flights.
GORE FireWire Cables are the premier solution for copper-based IEEE 1394b FireWire data links. Our cables transmit uninterrupted high-fidelity signals for interconnect solutions up to 30 m (100 ft) at S400 data transfer rates in all aircraft environments.

Smaller-scale dimensions
Signal Integrity with Flexure
We evaluated the eye pattern of our FireWire cables before and during flexure to ensure signal integrity. They passed the eye mask test with margin and continued to maintain signal integrity without degradation even after we wrapped them around a mandrel 20 times. Aircraft maintainers can easily flex and tightly bend our FireWire cables in narrow spaces during installation without damaging or breaking them.
Also, our specialized quadrax design is much smaller by about 40% and lighter weight than dual twisted pair constructions. Our FireWire cables can save as much as 5.2 kg (11.5 lb) per aircraft on average. But even though our cables are smaller and lighter, they still provide a protective barrier against tough aircraft environments because of the proprietary materials and double-braided shield that add strength.
Highly flexible Materials of GORE FireWire Cables.
FireWire is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Applications
GORE FireWire Cables are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of aircraft applications, including:
- avionics networks
- flight control
- networked video systems
If you have any questions, or to discuss your specific application needs, please contact a Gore representative.
Benefits
GORE FireWire Cables provide aircraft system architects and engineers with many benefits that improve electrical and mechanical performance such as:
- premier solution for copper-based IEEE 1394b FireWire data links
- uninterrupted high-fidelity signals with flexure up to 30 m (100 ft) at S400 data transfer rates
- protective barrier provides added strength against tough environments
- specialized quadrax design is 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions
- lighter weight construction proven to save more than 5.2 kg (11.5 lb) per aircraft
- tighter bend radius for easier and faster routing in narrow spaces
- 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.
Properties
These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE FireWire Cables.
Electrical Property | Value |
---|---|
Standard Impedance (Ohms) | 110 +6/-4 |
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) (26 AWG) | 36.1 (11.0) |
Typical Skew Within Pair ps/m (ps/ft) | 3.5 (1.1) |
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 / SPC Alloy |
Conductor Color Coding | Blue/Orange, Green/Red |
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.
Qualifications
GORE FireWire Cables 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 : 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
- IEEE 1394b; SAE AS5643™: Designed to comply with performance requirements
- SAE AS4373™: Test Methods for Insulated Electric Wire (Contact Gore for available data)
- SAE AS6070™/8: High-speed data protocol cable 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).
Resources

Catalog: GORE® Aerospace High Speed Data Cables
Data Sheets, 6.16 MB

Brochure: GORE® Aerospace Cables and Materials for Civil Aircraft
Brochures, 1.01 MB

Improving Cable Performance in Harsh Environments
White Papers, 1.16 MB
View all resources for GORE FireWire Cables for Civil Aircraft
Recent News
Press Release
Gore Jolts Emerging Electric Aviation Market with New High-Performance Aerospace Wires
Posted October 13, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates announced today a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on our environment. GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver the best combination of superior mechanical strength and outstanding electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight.
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GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies Honored, Set Gold Standard with Industry Innovators Award
Posted September 16, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates announced that its GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies were recognized among the 2020 Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards. An esteemed and experienced panel of judges from the aerospace and defense community recognized Gore as a Gold honoree. These assemblies are being recognized for their durability and reliability for precision testing of electronic warfare (EW) / radar suites; electronic surveillance/counter measures; radar warning systems; missile approach warning systems; and navigation/communication systems.
Event
W. L. Gore & Associates Goes Virtual at IMS2020
August 4, 2020 - August 6, 2020
Due to the ongoing challenge of COVID-19, IMS2020 has been moved to virtual with live streaming. A key topic at the symposium is 5G connectivity, and Gore will present a portfolio of reliable microwave/RF test assemblies for 5G testing. We’ll describe how our cable assemblies provide durable, stable, and consistent performance to ensuring accurate and reliable testing results.
Press Release
Gore Products to Enable Mars 2020 Mission Communications
Posted July 30, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today announced the company’s involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission scheduled for launch on July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This U.S. mission addresses high-priority scientific goals for exploration to help answer the questions of potential life on Mars.
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