Examines the constraints that may have an impact on cable performance, and the process involved in selecting the right materials based on sufficient testing to verify cables will survive in harsh environments.

Describes the components of Gore’s Installation Simulator that replicates the rigorous conditions a microwave airframe assembly experiences while being routed during installation in an aircraft.

Evaluates the durability and performance of microwave airframe assemblies before and after installation using Gore’s Installation Simulator to show the importance of selecting the right assembly that has been tested to survive real-world conditions.

A recent study showed that users of microwave/RF cable assemblies expect high-quality, long-lasting performance; however, more than 75 percent of these users are replacing their assemblies frequently, with the most common cause of failure identified as damage during installation or operation. Depending on the frequency, the direct cost for replacing cable assemblies on a single piece of equipment can reach $250,000 over the life of the system — and this does not include the indirect costs such as delayed production schedules, bad products, or retesting and calibration.