The greatest difficulty in deploying RF-over-fiber systems in military applications has been the lack of ruggedized fiber optic connectors capable of meeting the stringent return-loss requirements needed for quality signal transmissions.      Governments around the world are squeezing defense budgets to reduce spending. Defense departments are pushing systems manufacturers to provide increasingly capable andRead More

The Specialist, TTI’s secret weapon, sat down with us to chat about connector specification, mil/aero connector trends, and his passion for interconnects.   Q: What drew you to the intrigue of the electronics industry? How did you begin your work with TTI? A: As a child, I grew up working with my father in hisRead More

Research and Markets expects the global military manpack and vehicular radio market to grow, driven by the rise of portable equipment, most notably chargers. Research firm Research and Markets announced its research findings for the global military manpack and vehicular radios market during the 2016 – 2020 period, during which it forecasts a CAGR of 4.59%. “TheRead More

ITT Cannon received European standard certification for aluminum and composite D38999 Series III circular connectors, certified in the United States under MIL-DTL-38999.    ITT Cannon’s D38999 Series III circular connectors have received European standard certification (EN3645). The certification was received after rigorous testing, site audits, and data collection by the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association ofRead More

Military tech advancements for 2016 will sharpen situational awareness and expand capabilities for the warfighter.      Across the Department of Defense, many research and development programs are finding it necessary to change direction in order to adapt to budget cuts. Program managers, expected to advance technology while spending less money, are rising to theRead More

Space technology for electronic systems has evolved to meet the needs of long-range performance in extreme physical and environmental situations. From launch to deep space travel, the demands can be daunting, considering they cannot fail and cannot be repaired.   On August 6, 2015, the world sat still, quietly awaiting word of a Mars landing,Read More

Engineers seek to improve cable wiring and break-away connectors in the event of a parachute mishap while developing wearable technology to save lives on the ground.   Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Human Effectiveness Directorate engineers are continuing to develop a family of wearable and portable technology for the Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided kNowledge (BATMAN) program.Read More

TE’s Raychem S1260 Hot-Melt tape adhesive is designed for ground defense and aerospace applications and enables permanent field repairs for PTFE wire and cable. TE Connectivity announces its new Raychem S1260 Hot-Melt tape adhesive for high-temperature wire and cable repairs. The S1260 tape uses an environmentally resistant modified fluoropolymer for sealing high-temperature heat-shrink components toRead More

Nanominiature connectors provide an ideal solution for challenging wiring systems in the constantly evolving aerospace industry. Here, Radiall offers tips on how to specify the connectors for these applications.     To address the challenges airframers experience in the civil and military aerospace industry, a new format for multipin connectors was introduced. The nanominiature connectorRead More

Learn more about the latest lightweight COTS options for mixed-layout connectors from Erich Reichenbach of Reichenbach International.     Connectors for the military should be small, lightweight, rugged, reliable, and versatile as they are exposed to various demanding applications and environments. Here are some suggestions for specifying military COTS connectors. Size, Weight, and Shape By conserving fuel, aRead More

Military wearables enhance soldier capabilities, but the next generation of battlefield equipment will require an evolution in connector technology.   New wearables, including augmented reality technology and devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), will not (yet) make the new soldier or airman look like Iron Man, although “Iron Man Suit” is the nickname usedRead More

Interoperability standards are being defined and tested to break the data exchange impasse presented by proprietary architectures in unmanned ground vehicles.   Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) can be counted among the unsung heroes of modern warfare. They are the robotic equivalent of the hard-working people one might see on a cable television profile. They possessRead More