THERMAX MS2-250 50 Ohm High-Temperature Fluoropolymer Coaxial Cable – Low Loss Aerospace & Microwave Grade by CDT

The Headache of Weak Signals and Melting Cables

You know the frustration. You install a high-end system, but the signal drops when the temperature rises. Or maybe the cable is so stiff that you can’t route it around corners without kinking it. In the world of high-frequency signals, every decibel of loss counts. If you are working in aerospace, military radar, or high-power wireless broadcasting, you cannot afford “good enough.” You need a cable that handles extreme heat without degrading and carries massive power without interference. Standard PVC or polyethylene cables crack under stress and fail at 80°C. You need something built tougher. You need a cable that acts like a shield against the environment while letting your data fly through at the speed of light.

What Makes the THERMAX MS2-250 Special?

This isn’t just another piece of wire. The THERMAX MS2-250 is a precision-engineered tool designed by CDT Corporation (Thermax) specifically for the hardest jobs. It belongs to the Mobile Solutions² (MS²) family. The “250” in the name refers to its size and power handling capabilities. It is a 50 Ohm impedance cable, which is the gold standard for RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave systems.Why do engineers love it? Because it uses an air-spaced PTFE dielectric. Let’s break that down. Most cables use solid plastic insulation. Plastic holds moisture and slows down the signal. The MS2-250 uses tapes of PTFE (Teflon) wrapped around the center conductor with tiny air gaps. Air is the best insulator in the world. It has the lowest dielectric constant. This means your signal travels faster (76% velocity of propagation) and you lose less power to heat. It is lighter than solid cables, which is critical for aircraft and satellites where every ounce matters.

Technical Specifications You Can Trust

We don’t hide behind marketing words. Here are the hard numbers for the MS2-250 model that you need for your engineering calculations:

• Impedance: 50 Ohms (± 2 Ohms tolerance). This matches perfectly with standard RF equipment, antennas, and amplifiers.
• Maximum Temperature: 200°C (392°F). Most cables die at 100°C. This one keeps working in jet engines and industrial ovens.
• Attenuation (Signal Loss):
  • 0.55 dB per 100 feet at 500 MHz.
  • 0.76 dB per 100 feet at 1 GHz.
  • 1.35 dB per 100 feet at 3 GHz.
  • 1.77 dB per 100 feet at 5 GHz.
  • 2.60 dB per 100 feet at 10 GHz.
• Average Power Handling: 2016 Watts at 1 GHz (20°C). It can push serious power without arcing.
• Capacitance: 26 pF/ft. Low capacitance means better signal integrity for high-speed data.
• Velocity of Propagation: 76%. Your data moves at three-quarters the speed of light.
• Jacket Material: Extruded FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene). It resists chemicals, UV rays, and abrasion.
• Shielding: Double shield. Inner shield is 95% coverage flat silver-plated copper braid. Outer shield is 90% coverage silver-plated copper braid. This virtually kills crosstalk and external noise (EMI).

Built Like a Tank: Construction Details

Let’s look inside the jacket. The MS2-250 is built layer by layer to survive abuse.The Center ConductorIt uses 7 strands of silver-plated copper (SPC) wire, specifically 7/.022 AWG. Why silver-plated? Silver conducts electricity better than copper, and it doesn’t oxidize (rust) when exposed to air. The stranded design makes the cable flexible. You can bend it without breaking the core. The diameter is 0.066 inches (1.68 mm).The Insulation (Dielectric)This is the secret sauce. It’s not solid plastic. It is an air-spaced PTFE tape wrap. The tape is wrapped helically, leaving microscopic air pockets. This reduces the “dielectric constant” (Dk) to roughly 1.4-1.6. Lower Dk means less signal loss at high frequencies. It also saves weight. The total diameter after insulation is about 0.186 inches (4.72 mm).The ShieldsNoise is the enemy of high-frequency signals. The MS2-250 uses two layers of shielding.

1. Inner Shield: A flat silver-plated copper braid with 95% coverage. It catches high-frequency noise.
2. Outer Shield: A standard silver-plated copper braid with 90% coverage. It catches low-frequency magnetic interference.The combination creates a “Faraday cage” effect. Your signal stays in, and outside noise stays out.

The JacketThe outer skin is extruded FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene). FEP is like Teflon’s tougher cousin. It is melt-processable, which makes it great for jackets. It resists jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, and extreme cold. It won’t crack when you drag it over sharp rocks or install it in freezing weather. The outer diameter is 0.252 inches (6.40 mm).

Where Do You Use This Cable?

You won’t find this cable in a home TV setup. It is overkill for that. This is for industrial and professional heavy-lifting.Aerospace and AviationAircraft need lightweight wiring that can handle temperature swings from -55°C to +200°C. The MS2-250 is used in communication systems, navigation (GPS/VOR), and radar altimeters. Its low weight helps save fuel.Wireless Infrastructure (4G/5G/6G)In cell towers, power amplifiers sit at the top of the mast. They generate heat. The MS2-250 connects the amplifier to the antenna. It handles the high RF power and resists UV damage from the sun.Military and DefenseFor field radios, shipboard radar, and missile guidance systems. The double shielding prevents enemy jamming (electronic warfare) and ensures the signal gets through in noisy environments. It meets MIL-C-17 standards for rigorous performance.Test and MeasurementWhen you are testing a radar system or a satellite component, you need a test cable that doesn’t introduce errors. The MS2-250 is used with Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) to measure S-parameters. Its phase stability is excellent even when the cable moves or bends.Medical and IndustrialHigh-power RF is used for heating and sterilization. The MS2-250’s heat resistance makes it safe for these industrial environments.

Why Choose THERMAX (CDT) Over Generic Brands?

You might see cheaper “50 Ohm” cables on Alibaba or Amazon. But here is the difference.ConsistencyCheap cables have inconsistent impedance. One batch might be 48 Ohms, the next 53 Ohms. This causes “VSWR” (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) spikes, which can blow up your transmitter. THERMAX maintains a strict 50 ± 2 Ohms tolerance across thousands of feet.Purity of MaterialSome manufacturers use recycled copper or cheap plastic fillers. THERMAX uses high-purity silver-plated copper and virgin PTFE/FEP. No fillers. This means the electrical properties stay stable for 20 years.TestingEvery spool is tested. They check for continuity, insulation resistance (5000 MΩ min), and dielectric withstanding voltage (1000 V RMS). You get a certificate of conformance. You know exactly what you are buying.HistoryTHERMAX (part of CarlisleIT) has been doing this since the 1950s. They pioneered fluoropolymer wire insulation. They aren’t a new startup; they are the standard-setter for the military and aerospace industry.

Installation and Handling Tips

Even the best cable fails if installed wrong. Here are a few tips for your team:

1. Bend Radius: Don’t kink it! The minimum bend radius is 1.25 inches (31.8 mm). If you bend it tighter than this, you will deform the air-spaced dielectric and ruin the impedance.
2. Connector Prep: Use high-quality connectors (N-Type, SMA, TNC). Since the jacket is FEP, it is slippery. Use strain relief boots to prevent the cable from pulling out of the connector.
3. Sealing: If using outdoors, seal the ends with self-fusing silicone tape or heat shrink to prevent moisture from wicking into the PTFE tape layers.
4. Routing: Use cable ties, but don’t overtighten them. The jacket is tough, but sharp edges can cut it.

Compare: MS2-250 vs. Other Cables

As you can see, the MS2-250 beats generic cables on every metric that matters for performance. Yes, it costs more upfront. But if you have to replace a failed cable in a tower or an aircraft, the labor cost is 100x the cable cost. Buy it right the first time.

Ready to Upgrade Your System?

Don’t let signal loss or heat damage ruin your project. Whether you are building a satellite, a 5G tower, or a military radar system, the THERMAX MS2-250 is the backbone your network needs. It is in stock and ready to ship from our distribution partners. We offer cut-to-length services and can terminate connectors if needed.Get a Quote Today:Send us your requirements. Tell us the length, the connectors you need (BNC, N, SMA, TNC), and the quantity. We will beat any genuine quote for this specific MIL-spec part. Click the “Request Quote” button or email our sales team now. Let’s get your high-frequency signals moving without interference.