Question about military radio cables

[maddawg308]

Anyone know what type of wire is used in military radio cables, such as the ones for the VRC-12 series? I have some scrap cabling from damaged cables of this series, and was removing the rubber shielding from them today with a blade, and it wasn't copper colored, but rather silver or aluminum color. Feels heavier than aluminum. Anyone know? The corrosion on some of the wire looks greenish.

 

[Jones]

Mil. Spec. wire is a pre-tinned copper; so that it solders easily and conducts good. The tinning also keeps the copper conductor from corroding as fast if exposed to the elements.

 

[maddawg308]

Cool beans. I was hoping it was silver but now I know what it is. Thanks, Jonesey.