What are MIL-STD-1760-Compliant Connectors?

By AJ Born

Meet the Connector: MIL-STD-1760-compliant Connectors

MIL-STD-1760 is a military standard developed in the 1980s out of a need to standardize weapon interface and integration requirements in military aircraft. It defines requirements for electrical connectors that establish a cross-platform interface between the aircraft and its weapons systems, as well as with other stores such as equipment pods. Prior to the introduction of this standard, new store types were added to aircraft using potentially incompatible proprietary interfaces that complicated control and monitoring of the store management system (SMS). MIL-STD-1760 improved the SMS by streamlining the interfaces with a unified electrified interface for communication and power transfer.

Benefits of MIL-STD-1760

Interoperability. Aircraft can now carry and effectively use stores from different manufacturers without adhering to a specific aircraft design. This simplifies logistics and increases operational flexibility.

Efficiency. Standardizing the interconnects reduces the need for custom solutions. This reduces development and maintenance costs, and shortens the time needed for integration.

Reliability and safety. Strict guidelines for power, signal integrity, and communication protocols decrease the chance of malfunctions in critical military operations.

Longer equipment life: Integrating new stores and aircraft into existing operational frameworks can be done without significant redesign.

Key features

  • Enables data transmission for targeting, status updates, diagnostics, and power transmission for powering weapons systems.
  • Offers faster data capabilities for real-time data flow necessary for advanced weaponry.
  • Ensures universal compatibility with a wide range of weapon systems with guidelines for connectors, pin assignments, and other hardware specifications.
  • Ensures signal stability in challenging environments (high EMI, RFI, harsh operating conditions), meeting the rigorous demands of combat.
  • Quick coupling and disconnect.

The lanyard release plug in TE Connectivity’s custom, made-to-order 1760 Type 1 range of connectors is a viable solution for applications that require rapid disconnection.

The lanyard release plug in TE Connectivity’s custom, made-to-order 1760 Type 1 range of connectors is a viable solution for applications that require rapid disconnection.

Deutsch 1760 Type 2 Connector from Mouser Electronics. The 1760 Type 2 differs from the Type 1 in that it is specifically designed for rail launch applications. Type 2 blind mate comprises launcher receptacle, buffer, missile receptacle, and protective cap and is designed for a quick coupling of stores where access is restricted.

Data transfer speeds: Designed for high-speed applications, including 10GbE.

Physical properties: Shielding for EMI protection

Environmental properties: Sealing mechanism

Markets and Applications

Military and Aerospace

Aircraft weapon systems (e.g., missile systems and smart bombs); surveillance pods; fuel tanks.

Suppliers

Connectors that comply with MIL-DTL-1760 standard are available from many suppliers, including Amphenol Aerospace, TE Connectivity, and Mouser Electronics.

Related products

MIL-DTL-1533-compliant connectors

Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector and Connector Basics articles, our Military and Aerospace Market Page, and our 2024 and 2025 Article Archives

Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and check out our eBook archives for more applicable, expert-informed connectivity content.

AJ Born
Get the Latest News
x