What Is The Construction Of The Control Cable?

What is a Control Cable Wire?

Control cables are wire cables used to mechanically connect or connect multiple components. They are not used to transmit power or data. Instead, control cables are used to connect multiple components. In airplanes, they are often used in flight control systems.

Control cables connect the controls in the cockpit to the landing gear, ailerons, elevators, rudder, flaps, trim, and more.

How Control Cables Are Constructed

While there are different types of control cables, most have similar construction. They consist of seven individual wires. In the center of the control cable is a single wire bundle surrounded by six other wire bundles.

Most types of control cables are made of steel. Having said that, some of them are made of carbon steel while others are made of stainless steel. Carbon steel control cables are stronger but lack the corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel. Regardless of the material, control cables are already strong because they are constructed from bundles of wires. Therefore, many pilots prefer to use stainless steel control cables in their aircraft.

Understanding the Mechanics of Control Cables

Even if you've seen them, you probably don't know how control cables work. Control cables use a simple method of operation. They work by connecting control instruments (or other components for that matter) to the flight control system.

Many control instruments are connected to the flight control system by control cables. Moving or otherwise engaging control instruments could pull on the control cables connected to the flight control system.

Control cables wear out over time. They are exposed to physical stress, heat, and, in some cases, chemicals like petroleum. Fortunately, they are designed to withstand the elements. But even with a durable design, control cables should be inspected regularly for signs of damage. If the control cable has any broken or frayed strands, replace them.