A new generation of rugged connectors is shrinking size while boosting durability—offering high contact density, IP68 sealing even when unmated, and full MIL-STD-810H compliance for defense, aerospace, and UAV applications.
LEMO has introduced the OPTIMA D Series, a rugged connector line designed for compact, high-demand applications in sectors such as military, aerospace, UAVs, and tactical communications. The new range focuses on combining durability with space savings, offering a plug that is 25% shorter than standard connectors and reduced diameters to fit into tight enclosures. Despite the smaller form factor, the series accommodates up to 32 contacts, making it suitable for systems that require high contact density without compromising reliability.
Engineered for harsh environments, the Series has passed MIL-STD-810H tests for vibration, shock, and environmental stress. It also achieves IP68 sealing (20 meters for 2 hours), even when the connectors are left unmated—an uncommon capability in the rugged connector space. The key features include:
- Salt fog resistance: up to 1,000 hours
- EMI/RFI shielding: > 75 dB up to 10 MHz; > 40 dB up to 1 GHz
- Surface finish: low-reflectivity for tactical operations
- Endurance: more than 5,000 mating cycles
- Operating temperatures: Sockets: –55 °C to +150 °C and Plugs & free sockets: –40 °C to +90 °C
Flexibility is another key highlight. The series offers multiple latching options, including push-pull and break-away, robust five-spur keying for blind mating, and a variety of connector sizes. Configurations can mix and match power, signal, high-speed, multiplex, and coaxial contacts, catering to diverse system needs. This modularity makes the connectors a fit for soldier-worn equipment such as radios, headsets, cameras, UAV payloads, and aerospace subsystems where every millimeter counts.
Beyond the hardware itself, the company backs the series with end-to-end support, including cable assembly, overmolding, and private labeling. Production aligns with international standards such as IPC-620, ISO 9001, AS9100, and MIL-STD-810, ensuring that the connectors not only perform under extreme conditions but also meet rigorous quality and reliability requirements. With its compact size, extreme ruggedness, and versatile configurations, the series addresses a growing demand in defense and aerospace electronics: connectors that are both space-efficient and mission-ready. It provides design engineers with new possibilities for building reliable, lightweight, and future-proof systems.
