MIL-DTL-26482 connectors are a series of rugged miniature circular connectors designed to military specifications for use in harsh environments. These input-output (I/O) connectors are used to connect systems that require electrical power and signal, such as aircraft, ground vehicles, radar systems, shipboard applications, or mobile power-generation systems. They have become renowned for their exceptional durability, reliability, and performance in demanding applications.
MIL-DTL-26482 (originally MIL-C-26482) was developed in the1950s when the military sought a derivative of the MIL-C-5015 for use with smaller gauge wire. “The 5015 was considered good technology in its time, but it used size 16-gauge contacts and larger. As things got a little bit more advanced in the electronics world, 18- and 20-gauge wire became available. The size 16 contacts in the 5015 family could handle it, but performance wasn’t as good,” said Scott Miller, director of product management at Cinch Connectivity Solutions.
The 5015 circular Mil-spec is referred to as the standard product and the 26482 is the miniature product line. While 16 and 12 contact sizes are available with 26482, using 20-gauge contacts (one size down from the 5015), 26482 was more specific to the range of wires being developed at the time.
The MIL-DTL-26482 specification covers two connector series: Series I and Series II. Series I includes solder cup connectors (MS3110, MS3111, MS3112, MS3114, and MS3116) and front release crimp contact connectors (MS3120, MS3121, MS3122, MS3124, and MS3126). Series II comprises rear release crimp contact connectors (MS3470, MS3474, MS3475, and MS3476). While the two series are intermatable when using standard power and signal contacts, they cannot be intermated with shielded contacts.
One of the key advantages of MIL-DTL-26482 connectors is their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Connectors in Classes E, F, J, and P are rated for an operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F), making them ideal for harsh climate applications. Class H receptacles are specifically designed to contain pressures across mounting walls or panels, further enhancing their versatility.
Pressure: Class H receptacles are used when pressures must be contained across the walls or panels on which the connector is mounted.
Mounting types: Panel mount or inline receptacles
Mating: The two series of connectors are intermateable when using standard power and signal contacts, but not when using shielded contacts.
Contacts: Copper alloy
Plating: For the contacts, gold plating is required in MIL-spec versions (qualified to SAE AS39029 requirements). For the standard aluminum shell housings, options for the defense industry include olive drab cadmium, black zinc nickel, black anodized nickel, and electroless nickel. Olive drab cadmium offers the best combination of corrosion resistance and conductivity in harsh environments. Black zinc nickel is a suitable alternative for cadmium in terms of conductivity and corrosion resistance, while still eliminating the shiny finish. Electroless nickel plating has slightly less corrosion resistance but higher conductivity than cadmium.
Pins: Multiple options exist for number of pins and configuration.
Termination: Solder cup and crimp termination versions are available. They offer the same level of performance, but crimp termination offers better field serviceability, and may be preferred for extreme high vibration applications, e.g., rockets, satellites, and launching missiles.
Materials: Aluminum or stainless steel
Insulation: Neoprene
Locking mechanism: Threaded or bayonet coupling. Bayonet coupling provides a quick disconnect mechanism.
Deviations: Commercial and industrial versions of MIL-DTL-26482 may deviate from the official military specification.
Markets and Applications: Military, Aerospace, Industrial
Suppliers:
Amphenol Aerospace
Cinch Connectivity Solutions
ITT Cannon
PEI-Genesis
Sealtron (AMETEK)
TE Connectivity
Glenair
Souriau
Newark
Related products:
MIL-DTL-5015 connectors
MIL-DTL-83723 connectors
MIL-DTL-38999 connectors
According to Scott Miller, “When engineers design systems using 26482 connectors, they continue to use them because they’re proven, reliable, and offer excellent value. These connectors can last 15 to 20 years in the harshest environments.”
While commercial and industrial variants of MIL-DTL-26482 connectors may deviate from the official military specification, they still offer exceptional performance and durability for a wide range of applications. From military and aerospace to industrial, oil and gas, telecommunications, and factory automation, MIL-DTL-26482 connectors are trusted to provide reliable connectivity in extreme conditions where failure is not an option.
Major suppliers of MIL-DTL-26482 connectors include Amphenol Aerospace, Cinch Connectivity Solutions, ITT Cannon, and PEI-Genesis. These connectors adhere to rigorous standards such as MIL-DTL-26482 and MIL-STD-1669 (providing insert arrangements), ensuring they meet the highest quality and performance requirements for mission-critical applications.
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