Composite connectors save weight without compromising performance

Aerco is now stocking TE Connectivity’s DEUTSCH MIL-DTL-38999 series next generation ACT composite connectors which deliver up to 40% weight savings over similar aluminum devices. Their DEUTSCH group created one of the original composites in 1990, and its CT series shells are not only very lightweight, they are also highly resistant to corrosion, withstanding 2000 hours of salt spray, and very durable, surviving 1,500 mating cycles. The series circular connectors are available in three shell styles, two plating options, six shell clockings, over 50 different insert arrangements supporting size 23, 22D, 20, 16, 12, 10, and eight contacts for power and signal, as well as coax and twinax contacts. Originally designed as defence and aerospace components, the series connectors are now also used in many other hi-rel applications where extreme reliability is paramount. They feature a scoop-proof design for fast, easy, secure mating, and a triple-lead, threaded self-locking coupling for excellent vibration resistance. Devices are environmentally-sealed and feature grounding fingers and a trapezoidal thread which provides excellent shell-to-shell continuity, to help support high EMC performance. Comments Alec Sluce, Aerco’s connector product manager: “These lightweight, rugged, environmentally-sealed connectors survive some of the harshest environments of commercial and defence aerospace, ground defence, and marine applications. TE’s DEUTSCH composite connectors have led the field in composite connectors for many years, and this latest generation ACT series reinforces their reputation for high quality, extreme reliability and ease-of-use.”