Wire ropes and cables are widely used in various industries, from independent contractors to massive manufacturers. The versatility of wire rope and cable makes it an excellent all-around tool for hundreds of different jobs.
One of the many industries that frequently turns to wire rope for its structural and mobile applications is the military. There are a few ways in which this massive channel makes a case for various uses for wire rope, and it, much like OSHA, even has its own specifications to ensure its standards are met. Here, we’ll discuss military wire and cable and how it’s put to work in this industry.
The Advantages of Using Wire Rope in the Military
There are plenty of reasons why the U.S. military turns to wire rope so frequently, to the point of having their own distinctive titles for the ropes they use. Wire rope has been tested and designed to be the perfect tool for the job, less fragile and breakable than traditional woven fiber ropes but with the flexibility needed to build pulleys, cargo tie-downs, and even helmets - as we’ll discuss further here.
The military has exceptionally high standards, and the strength and durability that well-constructed wire rope brings should be built to such expectations - and often is, when the manufacturer is aiming to capture that market.
Not only that, but wire rope is low maintenance. When much more critical national security tasks are at hand, the last thing that time should be spent on is repairing or maintaining ropes. A wire rope is easy to clean and inspect, and is long-lasting when the suitable rope is used in the right place.
Finally, cost-effectiveness comes into play. Most wire rope spools are less expensive than traditional railing equipment, and since they don’t need frequent maintenance or replacement, the total cost drops significantly.
Structural Usage of Military Wire Rope
Structural applications within the military call for a steel wire rope that provides the necessary strength and flexibility to handle bending, pressure, and resist corrosion. The harsh conditions that military usage would present when erecting various structures mean that corrosion resistance is especially critical.
Barriers and Fences
One example of an application of wire rope in the military is within a structural capacity - particularly when there’s a need for quick but secure fencing around a perimeter. Wire rope is perfect for the job - it’s thick and stable enough to resist tampering and cutting, preventing unauthorized access to highly confidential or private areas. This serves to protect personnel, equipment, and even civilians.
Quick deployments often use wire ropes for temporary fencing, since it’s simple enough to take down and put back up when needed. Other, more permanent fences will still use wire rope for much of the same reasons above regarding strength and security.
Training Facilities
From creating obstacle courses to entire training facilities, wire rope in the military must withstand considerable wear and tear. It’s not just from the personnel inside that will be using these facilities, but of the potentially detrimental effects of weather, from heat to rain, to wind and dust.
Vehicle and Machine Controls
Military manufacturers will construct vehicles with a ‘push-pull' cable system for articulating controls within military vehicles, from jeeps to tanks and even aircraft. These robust, versatile and, importantly, flexible wire rope systems mean they’re the preferred option compared to other, more rigid configurations and linkage types.
Aircraft used within the military requires pilots to have precise, exacting control of hydraulic systems. Every movement and every second counts, which means that wire rope built with the right degree of flexibility is vital.
Accuracy and control are critical to mission success in motor applications, which are not limited to vehicles and can include everything from robotics, turrets, and even radar systems. Operators need to be able to engage and disengage their clutch systems or control intake valves for small, sub-systems within a larger array within an instant.
Cargo Applications
Carrying heavy loads, both on a small scale in vehicles to larger ones in aerospace, while maintaining flexibility, is one of the many critical applications of military wire rope. In particular, the military specification MIL-DTL-83140A 19x7 is used to denote a non-rotating, yet still malleable wire cable that is up to the task of mobile applications.
This military specification works wonders when being mounted around sheaves or winches, which one would find when heavy lifting is necessary. The aircraft launching bridles found on aircraft carriers are an excellent example.
The military is comprised of more than just what is done on land. In marine spaces, such as in the Navy and Coast Guard, wire ropes and cables once again find their place in railings on boats and larger ocean vessels. Marine conditions are especially severe, with salt water being a massive contributor to rust and corrosion. A wire rope railing also provides additional visibility - a solid concrete one might obstruct a view, whereas wire rope allows for plenty of all-around observation from crew members.
Small-Scale, Personal Use Cases
While wire rope is a significant component in large-scale applications, like building aircrafts, securing cargo for military freight, and creating training facilities, the small-scale use of wire rope and cable in the military should not be forgotten. In particular, military lanyards, which use MIL-DTL-83420 aircraft cable, are typical examples of this small-scale use.
When some people think of a lanyard, they usually picture a corded rope with a metal piece at the end. However, in the case of military wire rope, ‘lanyard’ refers to a small, personal cable or cable assembly.
In short, military lanyards aren’t just name tags. They’ll find use in keys, tactical vests, bungee cords for helmets, and more. Some may even find wire rope being used to attach military arms, such as rifles, to a soldier’s shoulder straps.
The use of lanyards goes even deeper - valve caps on smaller vehicles, plugs, and small personal harnesses used in the military will all feature wire rope lanyards.
Types of Military Wire Rope
The world of wire rope is sprawling, with dozens of types and subtypes, each with unique needs, uses, and applications.
In the United States Military, galvanized cable is the most common type of wire rope. When a cable is ‘galvanized,’ it has been given a fine coating of a zinc-based material that adds a layer of protection against corrosion.
Coated cables, or, wire that has been given a PVC vinyl coating, help improve grip where necessary - such as in rappelling or climbing applications. Color can be added to the coating, which is beneficial for designating the cable’s use from afar.
Finally, stainless steel cable is a premium go-to for military usage. It’s top of the class when it comes to strength, and in turn, durability. It also outclasses galvanized steel when it comes to fighting against rust, allowing it to be used indoors or out.
The Military Industry Go-To
As with any other industry, the right materials are what will get the job done most efficiently. This is as clear as ever in the case of military wire rope and cable.
From the creation of simple military lanyards to aerospace applications, there is plenty of room for wire rope in the military. This industry has rigorous, strict demands, and consistent, up-to-par construction is the key to perfection.
