Hi. I’m Terri, the Purchasing Supervisor at InterConnect Wiring where connections matter. Today we’re going to be talking about the differences between harnesses used on F-16s & F-22s and those used in space.
WIRING HARNESSES – AIRCRAFT REWIRING – COCKPIT PANELS – CONSOLE WIRING
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARNESSES USED IN AIRCRAFT VS SPACECRAFT?
This harness is used in a military fighter jet – an F-22. It’s covered in braid to allow for flexibility whenever it’s being installed into the aircraft while also protecting against abrasion. The connectors are also cadmium plated to protect against corrosion. This longer harness is used in F-16s which has similar protections to that of the F-22. Environmentally speaking, these two harnesses don’t have as much to overcome as this longer harness here.
These connectors are designed to withstand the force of the rocket and the backside of the connector is sealed against moisture using potting. During production the potting is in liquid form poured into the back of the connector, and it is allowed to set to protect the wires and the connectors from moisture.
The final difference between harnesses that are used in space and those that are not is the layering required. We start with wire, then we layer upon layer upon layer upon layer to protect against any environmental factors.
Connections Matter
