RG RF Cable Assemblies

RG coaxial cables have been central to RF and microwave connectivity for more than half a century. The designation “RG” originally stood for “Radio Guide,” a U.S. military term dating back to the World War II era. Over time, RG part numbers became standardized under the MIL-C-17 specification (now MIL-DTL-17, or M17), which defines the construction, materials, and performance of RF coaxial cables used in mission-critical systems.

These standards established RG as a trusted benchmark for predictable performance and ensured interchangeability across suppliers. Today, “RG” remains the most widely recognized coaxial cable designation. But while the name is used loosely in commercial markets as shorthand for coaxial size or impedance, only cables listed on the military’s Qualified Products List (QPL) are truly MIL-DTL-17 compliant RG cables. ConductRF’s primary “RG Cable Assembly” manufacturing service is centered on supplying QPL listed cables. We also support applications that allow for RG alternatives and/or replacements. Which are defined further below.

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What is the QPL?

The Qualified Products List (QPL) is maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense. It includes only those raw cables that have been formally tested, audited, and certified to meet MIL-DTL-17 requirements. A QPL-listed cable carries its official RG designation (e.g., RG-58/U, RG-142/U) and is stamped and traceable to its approved manufacturer. Assemblies built with QPL-listed cables are always audit-safe and compliant.

Understanding the Variations of “RG” Cables

Today’s marketplace can be divided into four distinct variants of cables commonly described as “RG.” Recognizing the differences is key to choosing the right solution for your application.

RG Compliant (QPL-Qualified)

True RG cables are QPL-listed under MIL-DTL-17. In the United States, the official manufacturers of QPL-qualified RG/M17 coaxial cables are:

• Amphenol - Times Microwave Systems (CT) – one of the largest holders of MIL-DTL-17 QPL approvals.
• Harbour Industries (Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway (VT) – leading producer of MIL-DTL-17 qualified coax for defense and aerospace.
• Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (FL) – U.S. manufacturer with MIL-DTL-17 qualified RG/M17 offerings.

ConductRF’s RG Cable Assemblies

ConductRF manufactures our recognized RG compliant RF cable assemblies using the sources of cable mentioned above. By nature, our assemblies built from these QPL-listed cables are fully traceable, guaranteed to pass audits, and represent the only safe choice when a program specifies MIL-DTL-17 (M17) RG compliance.

RG Equivalents

RG equivalents are lookalike products intended to mimic RG cable performance but without QPL qualification. They may use metric braid counts or different conductor gauges, and are often produced overseas. Performance may be adequate, but without QPL recognition, they carry no official standing. For military or aerospace use, they pose a compliance risk and can lead to disqualification.

RG Replacements

Replacements are engineered drop-in upgrades for RG. They preserve connector compatibility and overall size while improving performance factors such as insertion loss, shielding, or high-frequency bandwidth. These cables are not QPL-listed but may be approved by specific programs when performance substitutions are allowed. They provide a balanced path for programs needing better-than-legacy RG performance.

RG Alternatives

Alternatives are entirely different coaxial families, such as Times Microwave LMR®, Huber+Suhner Sucoflex®, or Radiall high-performance RF cables. They are not intended as direct RG drop-ins, but they offer superior loss characteristics, ruggedized jackets, and broader frequency handling. They are widely used in commercial, telecom, and some defense environments where MIL-DTL-17 traceability is not required.

When “RG” Means Different Things

In commercial and industrial applications, “RG” is often used informally as shorthand for a coaxial cable with familiar dimensions or impedance, even when MIL-DTL-17 compliance is not needed. In these cases, buyers may select equivalents or alternatives without issue, treating “RG” as a generic descriptor rather than a specification. In military and aerospace programs, however, “RG” has a precise definition tied to the QPL. Only cables formally listed as MIL-DTL-17 compliant truly qualify. Understanding this difference avoids costly mistakes and ensures systems are delivered with the right balance of compliance and performance.

Times Microwave LMR as Consideration for Replacing RG Cables

Many engineers evaluating upgrades will compare legacy RG/M17 cables directly to Times Microwave’s LMR® series. ConductRF can assist with comparing common RG coaxial cables alongside LMR alternatives, noting the performance improvements and typical applications/use cases. Contact our technical support team for assistance.

Typical Applications for RG Compliant Cable Assemblies

Military and Aerospace Platforms – avionics, navigation, and secure communications systems

Radar and Surveillance Systems – ground-based, airborne, and shipborne radar interconnects

Electronic Warfare (EW) and SIGINT – high-reliability RF links in contested environments

Satellite and Space Systems – telemetry, control, and payload RF interconnects requiring QPL traceability

Test and Measurement – laboratory setups and qualification testing where MIL-DTL-17 cables are specified

Defense Communications Networks – tactical radios, command centers, and vehicle-based RF systems

Industrial and Harsh Environments – mission-critical RF systems requiring compliance and ruggedization

ConductRF’s Commitment on RG RF Cable Assemblies

ConductRF manufactures RG RF cable assemblies using QPL-listed RG coaxial cable from recognized and trusted suppliers such as Times Microwave Systems and Harbour Industries. Our assemblies provide guaranteed compliance and peace of mind for military and aerospace customers. For programs where performance demands exceed legacy RG, ConductRF also delivers assemblies built with replacements and alternatives, enabling engineers to achieve lower loss, higher shielding, and ruggedized designs where specifications permit RG alternatives. This dual capability allows ConductRF to offer both specification security and performance innovation across a full spectrum of applications and use cases.