New era of rugged high-performance connectors for mil/aero systems

ODU Connectors will be back at DSEI 2025, unveiling a new era of rugged high-performance connectors for mil/aero systems, optimised for demanding applications.

The company offers high-speed data transmission with up to 70% less weight. Even in the smallest installation space, different transmission variants can be configured and are particularly suited to military land platforms, unmanned systems, wearables for soldiers and customised solutions for special military applications and payloads. Now, by adding a new fibre-optic range, the company are providing even greater performance.

ODU Expanded Beam Performance Connectors

Matching the optical performance of Physical Contact fibre-optics with an advanced Expanded Beam technology, delivering high-end transmission characteristics over many mating cycles, with no cleaning needed under normal conditions of 50,000 mating cycles at –65C to +105C.

Insertion loss

Multimode: < 0.15dB (typical) / < 0.3dB (max.)
Singlemode: < 0.35dB (typical) / < 0.7dB (max.)

Return loss 

Multimode: > 45dB (typical) / ≥ 35dB (min.)
|Singlemode: > 60dB (typical) / ≥ 55dB (min.)

The Expanded Beam Performance ferrules are the heart of the new connectors. Each ferrule can connect 12 optical fibres via a non-contact lens system. A space-saving cassette arrangement of the ferrules allows the system to be expanded to up to 96 optical fibres.

This has resulted in three new products, in differing configurations:

ODU BACKPLANE 

Connects modules to the mission computer, allowing them to be quickly replaced. Expanded Beam's insensitivity to dust and pollution provides quick and easy maintenance.

In three versions, as defined in the upcoming VITA standards:

VITA 96.1 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.1) - up to 96 fibres
VITA 96.4 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.4) - up to 48 fibres
VITA 96.5 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.5) - up to 72 fibres

ODU TACTICS 

Combining proven MIL-DTL 38999, Series III connectors with the highly innovative Expanded Beam Performance technology, the VITA 95 interconnect system takes fibre-optic transmission in aircraft to a new level.

Available with Expanded Beam Performance contacts

In four shell sizes:

Shell 11 (25.0mm plug) – up to 24 fibres
Shell 13 (29.4mm plug) – up to 48 fibres
Shell 15 (32.5mm plug) – up to 72 fibres
Shell 17 (35.7mm plug) – up to 96 fibres

ODU AMC Series T – Beyond 38999

This alternative to the standardised MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector excels with its innovative 3-in-1 plug locking options of push-pull, snatch or screw-lock onto a common bulkhead. Qualified to 38999 test standards, but with an even smaller footprint.

Available with Expanded Beam Performance contacts

In four space-saving shell sizes:

Shell 9 (18.4mm plug) – up to 24 fibres
Shell 12 (24.9mm plug) – up to 48 fibres
Shell 14 (27.9mm plug) – up to 72 fibres
Shell 16 (30.9mm plug) – up to 96 fibres

Whether your interest lies in Soldier Systems, C4ISR, Land and Naval Systems or Aerospace, drop by Pod 13 at DSEI 2025 in the Make UK Defence Pavilion, Stand 110 in Hall 4, from 9-12 September 2025.