Glenair Introduces Miniaturized D38999 Connector Platform

Glenair’s Series 806 Mil-Aero micro miniature circular connectors are available through Powell Electronics, offering MIL-DTL-38999 Series III performance in a smaller, lighter form factor for high-reliability aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

Shrinking the D38999 footprint without sacrificing compliance
The Series 806 was developed to address growing constraints on space and mass in airborne and ruggedized systems while preserving established interface standards. Independent testing indicates the connectors meet—and in several cases exceed—the electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements defined by MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, enabling drop-in use where qualification and interoperability are critical.

Mechanical design focused on vibration resistance and sealing
To maintain coupling integrity in high-vibration environments, the connectors integrate multiple mechanical features, including robust insert retention, radial sealing, and triple-ripple grommet seals. An integrated anti-decoupling system, combined with a re-engineered ratchet mechanism, reduced thread ramp angle, and refined thread pitch, increases resistance to loosening under dynamic loads. These mechanisms collectively support reliability in aerospace, military, transportation, and harsh-environment installations.

High contact density in a compact shell
Despite the reduced shell size, Series 806 connectors support high contact densities and multiple signal and power formats. Configurations accommodate size 22HD and 20HD signal contacts, size 8 power contacts, and high-speed octaxial, quadrax, and fiber-optic arrangements. Options include hermetic, high-temperature, filtered, and fiber-optic variants, as well as factory-terminated cable assemblies, allowing system designers to tailor the interface to electrical and environmental requirements.

Shielding efficiency and alignment accuracy
The connectors incorporate Glenair’s ultra-lightweight Nano shield termination band, which is designed to maximize shielding effectiveness while minimizing added mass—an important parameter in avionics and space-constrained platforms. Additional features, such as a top-hat insulator improve contact alignment, while an O-ring radial sealing interface enhances EMI performance, durability, and mating consistency.

By combining established MIL-DTL-38999 performance benchmarks with mechanical innovations and mass reduction, the Series 806 platform addresses integration challenges in modern aerospace and defense systems where connector size, weight, and reliability are tightly constrained.

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