1. Power distribution
Wires and cables are used to distribute power from generators and batteries to various subsystems within an aircraft or spacecraft. They carry high voltage and high current loads, ensuring reliable operation of electrical systems.
2. Avionics equipment
Avionics, including navigation, communications and combat control systems, use wires and cables to transmit data and signals between components. These cables may include coaxial cables for RF shielding and twisted pairs for data communications
3. Instruments
Aerospace instruments, such as sensors, transducers, and measurement equipment, require wiring for data acquisition and control. Wires and cables connect these instruments to processing units and displays.
4. Security system
Critical safety systems such as fire detection, suppression and emergency lighting rely on reliable wire and cable connections to function properly during emergencies.
5. Entertainment and communication
Passengers on commercial aircraft and crews on military aircraft require in-flight entertainment and communications systems that use audio, video distribution and data network cabling.
6. Lighting
Interior and exterior lighting systems, including navigation lights and landing lights, rely on wiring for power and control.
7. Thermal control
Wire and cable air spaces are used in heating elements and temperature control systems to maintain specific temperatures within aircraft and spacecraft, especially under extreme conditions.
8. Data transmission
High-speed data cables are critical for transmitting large amounts of data within an aircraft, such as between the cockpit and data servers, or for data uplinks and downlinks in spacecraft to and from stations.
9. Power generation and distribution
In space, wires and cables distribute power from solar panels or other power sources to onboard systems and batteries.
10. Environmental sensors
Aerospace vehicles often use various environmental sensors (such as pressure, temperature, humidity), which require wiring for data transmission and power supply.
11. Satellite system
In satellite systems, cables connect the satellite’s various components to a central control and data processing unit, including solar panels, antennas and payloads.
12. Wiring harness
Complex wire harnesses are the standard in aerospace applications because they organize and protect multiple wires and cables, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying maintenance.
13. Weight and space savings
Aerospace engineers strive to minimize the weight and space occupied by wiring and cables because excess weight can significantly affect the fuel efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft.
