What Coax Cable Does the Military Use?

The importance of reliability and signal integrity cannot be understated when it comes to military coaxial cable selection. The stakes are far too high to settle for anything less than the best.

This is why there are military-grade coaxial cable styles, also known as mil-spec cables. So, what coax cable does the military use - and what are the characterstics of that cable that make it a dependable choice?

While it varies from application to application, the military primarily uses M17 coaxial cables, which meet MIL-C-17 specifications. Cables such as M17/75-RG214 are designed to handle extreme conditions while maintaining signal integrity and reliability.

We’ll talk more about why these are the trusted cables of choice in military settings and show you why AudioVideoElectric.com is the #1 choice for coaxial cables in bulk. When you shop with us you’ll gain access to the most reliable wiring solutions at the lowest prices possible!

What are Coaxial Cables Used for in the Military?

To understand the importance of military-grade coaxial cables, you need to have a solid grasp of what these are actually used for in the first place. So, what is coaxial cable used for in military settings? Let’s examine some common use cases below.

• Secure communication lines: Bases, field units, and command centers rely on encrypted, interference-free signal transmission for mission-critical operations and maintaining battlefield communications.
• Military surveillance systems: High-quality video and audio signals from cameras and sensors are essential for monitoring strategic locations and gathering intelligence in real time.
• Signal transmission in aircraft, ships, and vehicles: These cables are used to connect various onboard systems so that communication, navigation, and radar systems operate without interference or signal loss.
• RF and radar systems: These cables are critical for radar’s accuracy in object detection while providing data for navigation and defense systems.
• Electronic warfare and signal jamming: Coax cables also help disrupt enemy radar and communication systems while keeping friendly systems running securely and reliably.

Clearly, you can’t cut any corners in choosing cables for applications of this nature. The margin for error is slim to none. So, what coax cable does the military use?

What Coax Cable Does the Military Use?

Just as there are a variety of multi-conductor cable types, there is a wide array of coax cable styles. While some are used in household settings for the internet or TV connection, others have more commercial applications. So, what coax cable does the military use? 

Key Characteristics of Military-Grade Coaxial Cables

As you can imagine, the needs of a military-grade coaxial cable are dramatically different from those of a cable used in home or office settings. The most important criteria include:

• Rugged Construction: Reinforced jackets resist physical damage from harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, heavy moisture, and mechanical stress.
• Superior Shielding: Multiple layers of shielding (braided wire, foil, etc.) protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) to maintain stable communication, even in high-noise environments.
• High-Frequency Transmission: Consistent signal integrity is essential in military settings, and these cables are capable of handling high-frequency signals over long distances without signal degradation.
• MIL-Spec Standards: All military cables must meet stringent MIL-Spec standards (MIL-C-17), which include criteria for the materials, construction, and performance to meet the demanding requirements of military use.

All that being said, what are the main types of coaxial cable used in military applications? 

Types of Coax Cables Preferred by the Military

There are four common types of coax cables used in military applications:

• M17/75-RG214: This widely used MIL-Spec coax cable has excellent shielding and low signal loss. It’s often found in radar systems, secure communication lines, and RF signal transmission.
• M17/60-RG142: Another military-grade cable used for its high resistance to environmental conditions and effective signal transmission at high frequencies. It’s most useful for airborne systems and ground communication networks.
• M17/128-RG400: Known for its flexibility and resistance to harsh environments. This coaxial cable is frequently used in aircraft, ships, and other military vehicles for secure data transmission and signal integrity.
• LMR-400: While not always mil-spec, LMR-400 is a commonly used low-loss coaxial cable in military applications for communication and signal relay in tactical settings.

You may be wondering, what does RG stand for in coax? This stands for Radio Guide and was actually developed during World War II! It’s still used today to define cable parameters even in non-military applications.

Our blog has more resources on topics like single conductor vs multi-conductor cable and low-ohm cables if you want to learn more about the different styles at your disposal. Otherwise, let’s look at a few other important considerations beyond cable type in military applications.

Other Factors Beyond Cable Type in Military Applications

Although you came here to learn about what coax cable the military uses, there are a few other things you should take note of if you’re in charge of cable sourcing for these use cases.

Connectors and Accessories

You could make the argument that the choice of connectors is just as important as the cables themselves when it comes to providing secure, stable connections.

MIL-Spec connectors include the N-type, SMA, or BNC, all of which are commonly used for their durability and shielding. These connectors maintain signal integrity and prevent interference, which is why they’re crucial for high-performance systems.

Meanwhile, accessories like weatherproofing kits, strain relief components, and EMI filters further protect cables from environmental hazards and electromagnetic interference.

Cabling Infrastructure in Military Vehicles and Bases

The actual wiring across military vehicles, bases, and individual components shouldn’t be taken lightly, either. In vehicles like aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles, for example, cables are routed to handle vibration, temperature extremes, and mechanical wear.

In contrast, the cabling infrastructure in military bases often involves large-scale distribution systems to manage long-distance signal transmission for secure communications, radar systems, and surveillance.

Cable routing, shielding, and grounding are critical components to minimize interference and maximize reliability in such complex systems. Ultimately, military bases should rely on electrical engineers to create wiring systems that offer both high reliability and long-term performance. 

While we can’t help you there, we can set you up for success with the premier military-grade coaxial cable selection here at AudioVideoElectric.com!

Your Search for a Reliable, Affordable Military-Grade Coaxial Cable Ends at AudioVideoElectric.com!

We’re the premier provider of all your commercial coax cable needs, from wiring for military applications to warehouses, factories, offices, and everything in between. What has earned us a reputation as the #1 choice, though?

Simple - you get high performance cables at a fraction of the price you’d pay for the brand name in our Belden alternative cables. These are identical in fit and form with comprehensive spec sheets to back them up. Yet, they’re up to 20% less!

Our case studies speak for themselves. We’ve helped one customer save over $86,000 annually while eliminating production delays, while another saves 65% on their annual cable costs. Read through more examples of why customers choose to source from us.

Or, get in touch today and we’ll answer any questions you may have, including which cables are best for your unique needs. From mil-spec cables to multi-conductor cables, this is your one-stop shop! Enjoy peace of mind sourcing reliable cables at an unbeatable price today.

Wrapping Up Our Military Coaxial Cable Guide

So, what coax cable does the military use? In closing, there are a few types of military-grade coaxial cables you should be aware of - but they all align with the MIL-C-17 specifications.

This ensures reliability in even the toughest conditions, so you can rest assured you’re getting strong signal integrity and durability for secure communications and surveillance.

Our blog has additional resources on how to test coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable uses, conduit fill calculator, stripping multi-conductor cables, and more. 

But with the best military coaxial cable selection just a few clicks away at AudioVideoElectric.com, why not reach out or shop our catalog today? 

Don’t settle for less than the best high-stakes situations. Get dependable, affordable military-grade coax cables you can count on and see why we’re the #1 provider online!