In an industry where success is measured in nanoseconds, Times Microwave Systems has established itself as an industry leader in coaxial cables over the past 70 years. From pioneering cable TV technology to advancing military innovation, our journey exemplifies excellence in mission-critical applications.
Heritage is more than a history of past achievements—it’s a proven track record of reliability, innovation, and problem-solving. Our heritage is built on decades of working on mission-critical applications and being a key partner in developing many of the industry’s most referenced standards. When aerospace and military engineers need critical transmission technology, they don’t just want a product—they need a proven solution with a demonstrable history of success.
Our proven solutions span a remarkable range of critical platforms—from military aircraft and helicopters to cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles and missile systems. This breadth of experience means we bring a holistic understanding to every challenge, drawing insights from decades of solving complex technical problems across multiple domains.
Times Microwave Systems stands apart through a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond traditional manufacturing. Our team combines deep technical expertise with an unparalleled commitment to understanding customer challenges. This approach allows us to do more than simply provide a product—we develop precise, tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each customer.
Where other companies offer generic solutions, we dive deep into the specific challenges and work directly with engineers to map out intricate technical requirements and develop custom solutions. We don’t just meet specifications; we anticipate needs and create innovations that solve critical technical challenges often before they become problems.
Our journey in transmission technology traces back to World War II, when massive advances in communications, RADAR, and electronic warfare drove the development of flexible coaxial cables using polyethylene dielectric and PVC jacketing materials. The military’s “Radio Guide” system established industry standards like RG-6, RG-58, and RG-213, which were formalized in the 1940s with the introduction of MIL-C-17 specifications.
Founded in 1948, Times Microwave Systems emerged as a pioneer in the industry during the Cold War era, when traditional RG system performance proved insufficient for increasingly demanding military applications across airborne, ground, sea, and sub-sea platforms. Our journey of innovation gained particular momentum in the 1970s, when we became an early adopter of low-density PTFE to replace polyethylene in high-performance coaxial cables—a response to the advancing needs of airborne electronic warfare systems requiring extremely lightweight, low-insertion-loss solutions.
As a testament to our leadership in the industry, Times Microwave Systems worked hand-in-hand with the US Air Force to develop MIL-C-87104, released in 1977. This specification revolutionized the approach to cable assemblies by considering cables and connectors as holistic systems, establishing new standards for lightweight, low-loss, and rugged microwave cable assemblies.
Key innovations that showcase our continuous advancement include:
Building on our work with MIL-C-87104, we created MilTech® cable. We focused on addressing key performance limitations, dramatically improving capabilities in frequency performance, temperature resistance, and vapor sealing. This wasn’t just an incremental improvement—it was a fundamental reimagining of what transmission technology could achieve. With the development of MilTech came MilTech® LightWeight cable assemblies, achieving 30% weight reduction when compared to standard MilTech assemblies. This breakthrough became the foundation for critical legacy programs, including the F-15 fighter jet.
We were the first to develop microwave connectors utilizing standard contact geometry of MIL-DTL-38999 hardware. Our D38999 “size 8” contacts evolved into our Multiport (M-8) connector, while “size 12” contacts became our Mini Multiports (MMP) connectors. The innovative design could make 18 connections with a single jack screw, revolutionizing installation efficiency in complex aerospace systems.
In 2004, we achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first to develop a cable using Fluoropolymer foam (TF4®). Recognizing that signal integrity is critical in complex systems operating across diverse environmental conditions, we engineered a solution to meet these demands. Our PhaseTrack® cable features the TF4 proprietary dielectric that overcomes the limitations of traditional PTFE-based cables, ensuring signal phase stability even in extreme temperatures. For more than a decade, we remained the sole manufacturer of this innovation, cementing our leadership in this essential technology. Check out this video on PhaseTrack cables for phased array radars.
In the early 1990s, we developed the groundbreaking use of bonded aluminum foil as an outer conductor. The LMR®-400 cable was the first flexible, low-loss, 50 Ohm cable option with foam core technology, designed to provide low-loss signal transmission, high flexibility, and high durability in a compact, lightweight design. Want to learn more about LMR? Check out this article on the cost of fakes and clones.
These achievements underscore our position as a consistent leader in high-performance coaxial interconnect development, with many of our innovations becoming industry standards. Today, we continue this legacy of pioneering solutions that address the most demanding challenges in transmission technology.
Contact us to discuss how we can create the perfect solution for your needs.
Innovation at Times Microwave Systems is never about maintaining the status quo. We’re fundamentally committed to anticipating and solving the technological challenges of tomorrow, not just responding to the needs of today. Our current engineering focus is laser-targeted on the most demanding and evolving technological frontiers.
The hypersonic missile technology represents a perfect example of our forward-thinking approach. As missile systems push the boundaries of speed and performance, traditional transmission technologies quickly become obsolete. Our engineering teams are developing next-generation, high-temperature products specifically designed to meet the extreme environmental challenges of hypersonic applications. This isn’t simply about creating a product—it’s about enabling entirely new technological capabilities.
And our commitment extends far beyond any single technological domain. We’re continuously pushing the boundaries of transmission line technology, exploring new materials, designs, and integration strategies that can solve increasingly complex engineering challenges. Each innovation is driven by a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs and the technological landscapes they operate within.
Partnering with Times Microwave Systems means accessing seven decades of concentrated engineering excellence. Our expertise is not just measured in years, but in the depth of problem-solving and innovative solutions we’ve consistently delivered across the most demanding technological platforms.
We don’t just understand high-stakes and mission-critical requirements—we’ve helped define them. Our deep institutional knowledge allows us to anticipate needs before they become critical challenges. We’re strategic partners who understand the intricate technical ecosystems of our most advanced technological platforms.
Our approach to problem-solving is fundamentally different. We’re proactively innovative, constantly looking beyond immediate requirements to develop solutions that will serve our customers’ future needs. This means we’re not just responding to specifications but helping to shape the technological capabilities of tomorrow.
Most critically, we have the ability to support the most complex and rapidly evolving technological needs. Whether it’s managing extreme temperature variations, developing ultra-precise signal transmission, or creating lighter and more efficient connection systems, Times Microwave Systems has consistently demonstrated the capability to transform seemingly impossible challenges into elegant, robust solutions.
Whether you’re developing next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles, upgrading legacy aircraft with electronic warfare systems, or exploring hypersonic missile technology, Times Microwave Systems is your strategic partner in success. Contact us today to discover how our solutions can advance your innovations.
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