Military Fiber Optics: Rugged, High-Bandwidth Military Defense and Aerospace-Grade Fiber Optic Connectors, Termini, Toolkits and Cable Assemblies for Harsh Application Environments
Series 18Series 180

Military QPL and MCOTS Fiber optic interconnect technologies (MIL-DTL-38999 Type, MIL-DTL-83526 GFOCA Type, MIL-PRF-28876, ARINC 801 and more) deliver high data rate and high bandwidth performance in harsh land, sea, air, space and C4ISR applications. Precision-engineered QPL and commercial fiber optic contacts, or termini (M29504/04, M29504/05, M29504/14, M29504/15, M29504/16, M29504/18, and others) are the key to delivering low data loss and reliable, repeatable performance over long distances in mission-critical applications. But the advantages of a connection system that can transmit the equivalent of 24,000 telephone calls simultaneously through fibers thinner than a human hair — and over longer distances than would ever be possible with copper media — go beyond their mind-boggling data transmission rate.
Fiber Optics and Photonics for Aerospace Applications
Harsh-Environment Fiber Optic Connectors and Cable Assemblies
Plus Ruggedized Aerospace-Grade Photonics, Parallel Optic Tx Rx and Xcvr Modules, RF-Over-Fiber Solutions, and More
Rugged Fiber Optics and Photonics
Rugged fiber optic systems carrying digitized video, voice and data are broadly deployed in harsh environments including specialized applications in aircraft avionics, ground systems, initiators, weapon systems, sensors, space, and other high-performance environments. Highly-engineered fiber optic termini, together with their precision-machined and/or injection molded connector packaging, are the key to delivering low data-loss and reliable, repeatable performance in rugged, harsh-applications such as space.
Glenair QwikConnect MagazineApril 2020Volume 24Number 2
- eBook
- PDF (Two-page spreads)
- PDF (Single pages, print friendly)
- Answer Key: Word Puzzles Solutions
- Chris Toomey's Outlook Column: In the Shadow of Wuhan

Fiber Optic Termini Selection Guide
Interactive matrix of Glenair fiber optic termini, including mil-qualified M29504 part numbers as well as Glenair Signature high-density, GRIN-lens, jewel, expanded beam, and MT solutions. Complete technical specifications organized by optical performance and mechanical properties, plus direct links to all Glenair manufactured Fiber Optic Termini order information.
Build-to-Print Military / Aerospace-Grade Fiber Optic Cable Harness Designer's Guide
In addition to our wide range of catalog (ASAP) Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies, Glenair offers turnkey, build-to-print fiber optic harnesses for both premise and environmental applications as well as fiber optic cable assemblies housed on deployable reels, integrated fiber optic junction-box assemblies and other tactical field and aerospace grade fiber optic solutions.
On-Line Designer's Guide and Factory Hot-Lines
Slideshow Presentation
Application Examples
Related Glenair Content
Fiber Optic Connectors, Termini, and Cables
For Military / Defense and other Harsh Environment Applications
Complete Dimensional Details and How-To-Order Information for All Glenair Fiber Optic Datalink Technologies
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Turnkey Fiber Optic Cables for Inside-the-Box and Environmental Applications |
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Integrated, Turnkey Optical Flex Circuit Assemblies with High-Density MT Ferrule Terminations and Glenair Signature or M29504 F/O Breakouts |
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Series 806 Mil-Aero Fiber Optic DatalinksReduced size and weightMIL-DTL-38999 performance |
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MIL-DTL-38999 Type Fiber Optic Connectors, Termini and CablesD38999 Aerospace-Grade Fiber Optic Connectors and M29504/04 and M29504/05 Termini |
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MIL-PRF-28876 Shipboard Fiber Optic Connection SystemThe Standard US Navy Fiber Optic Connector / Termini Solution, QPL and Commercial Equivalents, M29504/14 (Pin) and /15 (Socket) Termini |
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Glenair High Density (GHD) Fiber OpticsHigh-density connector and size #18 termini alternative to MIL-DTL-38999 |
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Series 80 Mighty Mouse Fiber OpticsReduce Size and Weight with Series 80 Mighty Mouse Fiber Optic Connectors, Termini, and Cables |
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SuperNine® MT Fiber Optic ConnectorsRuggedized, High-Density MT Ferrule Fiber Optics in Aerospace-Grade MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors Series 183-002
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Series 79 MT Ferrule Fiber Optic Connection SystemMiniature single-ferrule high-density MT rectangular connector solution |
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VITA 66.1 Style MT Ferrule Rugged Optical Backplane ConnectorsThe VITA 66 interconnect series introduces fiber optic connectivity to VPX ruggedized embedded computing systems. Glenair's VITA 66.1 and 66.4 compliant blind-mate, optical MT module/backplane connectors use the open architecture defined in VITA 46. These products are both compatible with VPX systems and available as standalone connector solutions for reliable, high-speed transmission in extreme commercial and military environments. |
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Eye-Beam® GMA Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors and CablesEasy to clean, rugged solution IAW MIL-DTL-83526/20 AND /21HMA Type Intermateable Ball Lens Series 185-002 |
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Eye-Beam® GLT Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connection SystemInnovative GRIN Lens TerminiEasy connector integration |
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ARINC 801 Fiber Optic Connectors and TerminiFor High-Speed Mil-Aero Fiber-Optic Data Networking Series 180-159 |
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Glenair Front Release (GFR) Fiber OpticsInnovative Drop-in Termini Solution for Individual Connector Cavity Fiber Optic Media |
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Next Generation (NGCON) Fiber OpticsEmerging Industry Standard for a New Mil-Aero / Shipboard Fiber Optic Solution |
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MIL-DTL-83526 Type GFOCA Ruggedized Field Fiber OpticsRuggedized Hermaphroditic Land Warfare Fiber Optic Solution |
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Fiber Optic Cables and ConduitHigh-Performance Singlemode and Multimode Fiber Optic Cable and Media Protection Conduit |
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Fiber Optic Termination, Inspection, and Troubleshooting Tools and KitsIndustry-Standard and Glenair Installation and Maintenance Tooling for MIL-DTL-38999 Type Systems (MIL-PRF-29504 /4 and /5), Glenair Front Release (GFR), and Others |
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Fiber Optic OperationIntroduction to Fiber Optic Interconnect Technology and Packaging |
Video (no audio) | YouTube | Download |
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Step 1 - Fiber Optic Cable Preparation | ||
Step 2 - Fiber Optic Terminus Assembly | ||
Step 3 - Fiber Optic Terminus Polishing | ||
Step 4 - Fiber Optic Harness Testing | ||
Step 5 - Fiber Optic Contact Insertion and Removal | ||
Step 6 - Fiber Optic Terminus Cleaning and Testing |