ODU Connectors is back at DSEI 2025, unveiling a new era of rugged high-performance connectors for mil/aero systems

Products

19 August 2025

Optimised for demanding applications. ODU connectors offer high-speed data transmission with up to 70% less weight. Even in the smallest installation space, different transmission variants can be configured and are particularly suitable for military land platforms, unmanned systems, wearables for soldiers and customised solutions for special military applications and payloads.

Now, by adding a new fibre-optic range, ODU are providing even greater performance.

ODU Expanded Beam Performance Connectors

Matching the optical performance of Physical Contact fibre-optics with an advanced Expanded Beam technology, offering high-end transmission characteristics over many mating cycles, with no cleaning required under normal conditions of 50,000 mating cycles at –65°C to +105°C

Insertion loss

Multimode: < 0.15 dB (typical) / < 0.3 dB (max.)

Singlemode: < 0.35 dB (typical) / < 0.7 dB (max.)

Return loss

Multimode: > 45 dB (typical) / ≥ 35 dB (min.)

Singlemode: > 60 dB (typical) / ≥ 55 dB (min.)

The Expanded Beam Performance ferrules are the heart of the new connectors.

Each ferrule can connect 12 optical fibres via a non-contact lens system.

A space saving cassette arrangement of the ferrules allows the system to be expanded to up to 96 optical fibres.

This has resulted in three new products, in differing configurations:

ODU BACKPLANE

Connects modules to the mission computer and allows them to be quickly replaced. Thanks to Expanded Beam insensitivity to dust and pollution, provides quick and easy maintenance.

In three versions, as defined in upcoming VITA standards:

VITA 96.1 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.1) – up to 96 fibres

VITA 96.4 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.4) – up to 48 fibres

VITA 96.5 (drop-in replacement for VITA 66.5) – up to 72 fibres

ODU TACTICS

Combines proven MIL-DTL 38999, Series III connectors with the highly innovative Expanded Beam Performance technology, the VITA 95 interconnect system takes fibre- optic transmission in aircraft to a new level.

Available with Expanded Beam Performance contacts

In four shell sizes:

Shell 11 (25.0mm plug) – up to 24 fibres

Shell 13 (29.4mm plug) – up to 48 fibres

Shell 15 (32.5mm plug) – up to 72 fibres

Shell 17 (35.7mm plug) – up to 96 fibres

ODU AMC® Series T – Beyond 38999

This alternative to the standardized MIL-DTL-38999 Series lll connector, excels with its innovative 3-in-1 plug locking options of push-pull, snatch or screw-lock onto a common bulkhead. Qualified to 38999 test standards, but with an even smaller footprint.

Available with Expanded Beam Performance contacts

In four space-saving shell sizes:

Shell 9 (18.4mm plug) – up to 24 fibres

Shell 12 (24.9mm plug) – up to 48 fibres

Shell 14 (27.9mm plug) – up to 72 fibres

Shell 16 (30.9mm plug) – up to 96 fibres

So, whether your interest lies in Soldier Systems, C4ISR, Land & Naval Systems or Aerospace, why not drop by – Pod 13, in the Make UK Defence Pavillion, Stand 110 in Hall 4