Resource Library

Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones have become commonplace in commercial and defense applications, but as the technology continues to evolve, so does a shift in power management systems. Drones that once ran on high energy density batteries with limited flight time are now being redesigned to rely on high-performing cables, which use a battery backup and offer unlimited flight time. 

Read the interview with Grant Lawton, Aerospace and Defense Engineer with W. L. Gore & Associates, about the company’s award-winning 10-Gb/s Ethernet cables, Cat6A version selected for integration into ongoing F-16 aircraft program upgrades.

Read the interview with Greg Powers, Global Aerospace and Defense Market Leader with W. L. Gore & Associates, about the company’s proven reliable solutions for high-performance digital and microwave connectivity and other products.

W. L. Gore & Associates examines constraints that may have an impact on cable performance. Also examined is the process involved in selecting the right materials based on sufficient testing to verify cables will survive and perform reliably in the harshest environments.

Aircraft weight savings is an important design and modernization consideration to increase payload, fuel efficiency, range and time on station. W. L. Gore & Associates offers reliable solutions that reduce the size and weight of copper, fiber optic and coaxial cables.

With many complex systems in place, it’s essential to prioritize quality Ethernet cables built to withstand aerospace environments and rapidly transmit data across longer distances without interference. Ethernet cables from W. L. Gore & Associates exceed current stringent performance standards.

W. L. Gore & Associates identifies the risks of using standard MIL-DTL-38999 connectors to meet higher data transmission requirements in avionics. Our engineers also evaluate connector configurations against more suitable aviation connector designs to achieve reliable 10-GB BASE-T data transfer.

While many available Ethernet interconnects provide reliable performance in the lab, W. L. Gore & Associates has created an installation simulator to ensure high-speed data transmission with optimal signal integrity and the durability needed for the rigors of airframe routing.

Designers are learning that standard commercial Ethernet connectors and cables aren’t adequate in harsh aerospace conditions. W. L. Gore & Associates evaluates the top considerations designers must make when designing the right Ethernet interconnect and ensuring reliable high-speed data transmission.

W. L. Gore & Associates developed step-by-step instructions based on our best practices for terminating our 4-pair Cat6A Ethernet cables for aerospace and defense with the TE Connectivity® CeeLok FAS-X® Connector System, pin and socket versions.