Military grade fiber optic connectors, termini and cables are ideally suited for high-reliability settings such as are found in commercial and military jet aircraft, satellite and other space-based applications, tactical field communications and harsh environment ship-to-shore Naval applications. These products are distinguished from commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS) by their ability to deliver high-bandwidth data streams without the attenuation losses typical of less-precise technologies. Military-grade fiber optics are also known for their advanced tolerance to temperature extremes, immunity from electromagnetic interference and ease of integration into tested and qualified Mil-Spec interconnect cabling and connector packaging. From such applications as the Joint Strike Fighter to the most advanced and challenging space-based systems, Glenair is the recognized leader in the manufacture of fiber optic connection systems for every branch of the military and every configuration requirement. We are unique in the industry for our ability to not only supply all of the discrete components but to produce and deliver turn-key I/O interconnect cables and harnesses - including fiber optic cabling for high-dose-rate space radiation, extreme environmental exposure and corrosion resistance, improved fiber tensile strength and resistance to micro-bending.
- Introduction to Tactical Fiber Optic Interconnect Technologies and Packaging
- Application Checklist
- Fiber Optic Cable Designer's Guide
- Fiber Optic ASAP Cable Designer's Guide
- Product Sample Order Form
- Fiber Optic Interconnect Products Same-Day Shipment Inventory
- NEW! Fiber Optic Videos from the Glenair Channel on YouTube
MIL-DTL-38999 Style Fiber Optic Connection System
Glenair's unique alignment techniques maximize optical performance and provide reliable, repeatable interconnection of optical fibers. Ferrule design, critical to the performance of the termini, has traditionally relied on a machined stainless steel ferrule incorporating a precision micro drilled hole. Glenair's unique precision ceramic ferrules, with concentricity and diametric tolerances controlled within a micron (.00004 of an inch) meet the needs of high bandwidth and low allowable insertion loss applications. In fact, Glenair's ferrules are approximately 10 times more accurate than alternative designs, and have reduced insertion loss values from 1.5dB to less than .5dB (typical loss for Glenair termini is .3 dB).
Glenair High Density Fiber Optic Connection System
The Glenair High Density Fiber Optic Connector System is designed for applications that require reduced size and weight as well as outstanding optical and environmental performance. The System offers insertion loss values less than .5dB (typical loss for Glenair termini is .3 dB). Dense cavity spacing is acheived with an innovative Front Release terminus design and accomodation for M85045/16 cable.
How to order Mighty Mouse Fiber Optic Connectors
New size #16 fiber optic termini can be used in any standard Mighty Mouse connector. Available for single mode or multi mode fiber, these termini have low insertion loss and are intended for high-reliability aerospace applications. Series 80 connectors offer substantial reductions in size and weight compared to our D38999 type fiber optic connectors.
MIL-PRF-28876 Style Fiber Optic Connection System
The use of fiber optics in shipboard and ship-to-shore data transmissions is growing rapidly, and the tight-tolerance Mil-PRF-28876 interconnect has become the universal standard for Navy shipboard applications. Glenair's offering delivers all the necessary performance—from precise optical alignment, to environmental protection, corrosion resistance and weight reduction. The Glenair Mil-PRF-28876 is specifically geared for upgrade and retrofit applications where extending system life-cycles and reducing cost of ownership are principle requirements. This connector uses MIL-PRF-29504/14 and /15 style contacts, also available from Glenair.
Next Generation (NGCON) Fiber Optic Connection System
The Glenair Next Generation (NGCON) Connector System combines proven technology from standard 28876 and 38999 designs with new innovations including rear-release genderless contacts and high-density packaging. Glenair is an active member of the NGCON design consortium which is developing high-performance fiber optic interconnect solutions for air, sea and space military applications. The Glenair NGCON Connector System will be qualified to the yet to be released NGCON specification.
GFOCA Style Fiber Optic Hermaphroditic Connection System
Most commonly used by the army for long-run battlefield communications, the GFOCA Connection System is also well suited to dockside naval communications, down-hole drilling and other harsh environment applications. The hermaphroditic system utilizes low insertion loss butt-joint termini and a ruggedized coupling mechanism for reliable, repeatable mating. The genderless mating system is rated to 1000-2000 cycles depending on fiber media selection.
Custom Front Release Fiber Optic Connection System
The unique design of the Glenair 181-011 and 181-012 series fiber optic contact allows for rapid integration of optical media in a broad range of cylindrical and rectangular connector packages and systems. By placing the retention and environmental sealing components directly on the termini, Glenair is able to fabricate unique fiber optic connector shell packages without costly tooling and engineering.
Fiber Optic Backshells and Accessories
Glenair is the only fiber optic connector and termini manufacturer to also offer a complete line of specialized fiber optic backshells. Designed for use with MIL-PRF-28876 and MIL-DTL-38999 fiber optic connectors, the backshells protect fiber terminations from mechanical and environmental damage.
Conduit Systems and Fittings for Fiber Optic Media
Flexible, high-temperature convoluted tubing is an ideal material choice for the protection of fiber media. The material provides a durable, highly-flexible enclosure for fiber optic systems, with end-fittings and transitions to meet any installation configuration. The crush resistant, helical conduit comes in a range of standard diameters and wall thicknesses. Glenair's Gamma Processed ETFE tubing is constructed from thermally-stable ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. Other available materials include FEP, PFA, PTFE and halogen-free, light weight PEEK. Connector adapters, end-fittings and backshells for bulkhead termination of conduit to panels or junction boxes are also available.
Bulk Extruded Fiber Optic Cable
Glenair's in-house fiber optic cable extrusion line provides the capability to extrude a variety of short-run specialty cables from simplex to hybrid constructions. Options include a selection of strength filaments such as Aramid yarn and extruded outer jacket materials. Our in-house extrusion line is geared to short-run, prototype projects and other applications which do not meet the large cable manufacturer's minimum length requirements.
MIL-DTL-38999 Fiber Optic Test Probes and Adapters
The Glenair fiber optic test probe system has become a standard tool for the field testing of fiber optic media in front-line fighter jets and other advanced aircraft. With the upgrading of so many avionic systems to fiber optics, the need for fast and efficient troubleshooting equipment has become paramount. The traditionally heavy and expensive test harnesses of the past are now being replaced with Glenair's lightweight and easy-to-use fiber optic test probes and adapters.
Fiber Optic Cleaning, Inspection & Termination Kits
Fiber optic connectors are designed to be connected and disconnected many times without affecting the optical performance of the fiber circuit. The key to this performance is the error-free termination of the contact terminus to the fiber circuit—a task which requires the use of a wide range of specialized tooling. Glenair's extensive experience in building fiber optic interconnect cables has enabled us to select the right tools for each step in the termination and assembly process.
