A Joint Army-Navy specification covering coaxial cables designed for high-frequency applications such as radio, television, and radar systems.
Jan-C-17A refers to a military specification developed jointly by the United States Army and Navy for coaxial cables used in high-frequency communication and transmission systems. The specification established standardized requirements for cable construction, electrical performance, and material quality to ensure reliability across demanding military and commercial applications.
The “JAN” designation stands for Joint Army-Navy, reflecting the collaborative military standards system that governed many electronic and communication components during the mid-20th century. Jan-C-17A specifically addressed coaxial cable designs intended for radio frequency applications where signal integrity and shielding performance were critical.
Coaxial cables covered under Jan-C-17A were commonly used in systems such as radio communications, television broadcasting, radar installations, and other high-frequency transmission environments. These applications required cables capable of maintaining controlled impedance, minimizing signal loss, and resisting electromagnetic interference. The specification provided consistency across manufacturers, allowing cables to meet uniform operational requirements.
In commercial and industrial environments, Jan-C-17A specifications influenced the broader development of coaxial cable standards. Many cable constructions originally developed for military use later became widely adopted in broadcast, communication, and monitoring systems because of their proven performance and durability.
The specification also addressed physical characteristics such as conductor materials, dielectric construction, shielding, and jacket requirements. These factors contributed to maintaining stable electrical performance in environments where signal quality and reliability were essential.
Although newer standards and specifications have since replaced many legacy military designations, Jan-C-17A remains an important historical reference in coaxial cable engineering. Understanding the specification provides context for the evolution of high-frequency cable design and the origins of many modern RF cable constructions.
Joint Army-Navy (JAN) Specification System
Jan-C-17A was developed as part of the Joint Army-Navy military specification system to standardize coaxial cable performance for high-frequency communication and radar applications.