Poor workmanship, inferior components and inconsistent testing standards - around 25 years ago, the German Armed Forces faced serious problems when procuring pre-assembled cables and wires. Technical delivery conditions and performance specifications were not sufficient to enforce binding quality standards. Without clear standards, there was no basis for reliably rejecting faulty products - resulting in expensive rework.
To remedy this situation, a comprehensive approval system was developed based on the defence equipment standards (VG standards). Since then, the central VG 96927 series of standards has defined binding requirements for the quality, processing and approval of pre-assembled cables and wires. Manufacturers must pass a ‘driving licence test’ for different basic types and, after successful type testing, receive a temporary approval that can be extended through production monitoring or renewed testing.
Numerous design standards and a comprehensive processing guideline (VG 96927-4) were developed as part of the series of standards. This guideline describes all essential process steps and is considered an internationally recognised model that is also used outside of the defence industry, for example in the railway industry. Close dialogue between manufacturers of individual components and assemblers is essential to ensure the quality and compatibility of the products.
The Bundeswehr consistently demands compliance with the VG 96927 standards, in particular the processing guidelines, when inviting tenders. In future, approval in accordance with VG 96927 will also be required for the repair of pre-assembled cables and wires. The list of approved manufacturers, to which the Lacon Group belongs, is maintained and regularly updated in VG 95212.
The committee, in which Alexander Ostermeier, Sales Director at Lacon, is involved, is currently working on expanding the series of standards for fibre optic cable assemblies and on a separate standard for adhesives in the fibre optic sector. In addition, a process for repair has been developed, which is regulated in the new VG 96927-6.
Today, VG 96927 has established itself as an internationally recognised model and guarantees that the quality and reliability of pre-assembled cables and wires meet the requirements of the German Armed Forces thanks to clear standards and a strict approval system, and that they are produced by qualified manufacturers such as the Lacon Group.
