The 1/2 inch galvanized aircraft cable has which construction and tensile strength?

• A. It has 7x19 construction
• B. It has 6x26 construction and 26,600 lbs tensile strength
• C. It has 4x7 construction
• D. It has 5x19 construction

Answer: (B)

In this context, the size of the cable and how it’s built determine both how flexible the rope is and how much load it can safely carry. For a 1/2 inch galvanized aircraft cable, the standard construction is six strands of 26 wires each. This 6x26 arrangement gives a good balance between flexibility and strength, which is why it’s commonly specified for general-purpose lines on challenge courses. The tensile strength of 26,600 pounds is the maximum load the cable can withstand before breaking, which helps define safe working limits and inspection practices. Other constructions change the cable’s feel and performance, but for this size the 6x26 with 26,600 pounds is the typical, appropriate specification.