Definition
A trade name for wire that has a steel core surrounded by a bonded outer layer of copper. The steel provides tensile strength while the copper provides good electrical conductivity along the surface, making it well suited for aircraft antenna wire and certain bonding leads.
Plain English
A type of wire with a strong steel center and a copper coating on the outside. The steel makes it strong, and the copper lets electricity flow well along its surface.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, especially in older radio antenna installations or other places where a strong electrical wire is needed.
Derivation
The name combines 'copper' (the outer conductive layer) with 'weld' (referring to the manufacturing process that bonds the copper sheath to the steel core). Knowing this tells you immediately what the wire is: copper welded onto steel.
Why Pilots Care
Provides durable wiring that maintains conductivity in high-vibration or tension environments without the weight penalty of solid steel.
Analogy
Think of it like a strong steel wire wearing a copper outer layer. The steel gives it strength, and the copper helps it carry electricity.
Intuition Check
Do not assume Copperweld is solid copper. It is steel inside with copper bonded to the outside.
Example Sentence 1
The HF antenna on the aircraft was strung between the vertical stabilizer and the fuselage using Copperweld wire.
Example Sentence 2
Copperweld conductors are selected for certain wing wiring runs where mechanical strength is critical.