ODU - Rugged Military Connectors

Since its founding in 1942, ODU has developed and manufactured reliable connector systems for the military and defence sectors.

To be considered for the various Soldier of the Future programmes such as FIST and FELIN, battlefield connectors must meet a number of rigorous conditions including ease-of-use and reliability under the most extreme of conditions. ODU connectors meet and often exceed these by providing a reliable connection under the harshest of conditions.

As the requirements for tough, reliable soldier systems evolve, ODU has developed a new connector system for the ever-changing military environment: the ODU advanced military connector (AMC). This features

• Push-pull locking or pull off function
• Lightweight, small and easy handling
• Operating temperatures range from –55°C to +125°C
• Optimised mechnical keying
• Colour keying possible
• Easy cleaning version available
• Mating under load possible
• Extremely rugged and solid individual contact configuration: signals, low/high voltage transmission, coax/triax, fiber optic, compressed air and fluids inserts are possible in one connector
• System solution including cable assembly and overmolding
• Useable under the most hostile conditions
• Easy handling and blind mating
• Excellent shielding features (360°)
• Watertight protection class IP 68
• Excellent data transmission
• Lifetime of greater than 5,000 mating cycles

ODU is involved in major military programs such as IdZ, FELIN and FIST.

Individual connector contact configurations

As an innovative and flexible partner ODU offers standard products with individual contact configurations. The customer gets what he needs: signals, low/high voltage transmission, coax/triax, fiber optic, compressed air and fluids inserts are possible in one connector.

Standard push-pull connectors

ODU standard push-pull connectors have a lifetime of greater than 5,000 mating cycles. Because of the push-pull locking mechanism an unintentional opening of the connection is not possible. Easy handling and blind mating are additional advantages of these connector systems. The connectors are available with a 360° EMI shielding and operating temperatures ranging form –40°C to +120°C.

ODU is certificated acc. to: ISO 9001, VDE, Ul, CSA, VG, MIL, ISO TS 16494

Customized connector solutions

In addition to our standard products ODU is a specialist of customized connector solutions. In this area we work very closely with the customer to met his exact requirements. Our motto is: "If it's not out there yet, we'll work with you to develop it!"

Connector design, development and fabrication

ODU has all the necessary technologies under one roof, so we can respond to our customers requests flexibly and quickly. Design and development, tool manufacturing, injection molding, electro-plating, stamping, turning, automated assembly and cable Assembly are all in our facility in Mühldorf, Germany.

Advantages of our customized solutions include:

• Exact implementation of the specifications for the particular application when it comes to design, function, costs and exclusivity
• Protection in the accessory and spare parts market
• Reduced costs for a large number of units
• Protection against imitation
• Reliable designed-in connectors

Many well-known companies around the world have designed-in ODU connectors for their applications, because of the extremely reliable connection. These include applications such as:

• Soldier Communication systems
• Different programs on the "Soldier of the future"
• Night vision systems
• Radio systems
• Radar systems
• Sonar systems for submarines
• Nuclear submarines
• Weapon systems
• Portable navigation systems
• Launchers / rockets
• Aviation
• Battleships
• Armoured Vehicles

Interface connector for sonar device

ODU produce a range of leading connectors for sonar devices. Features include:

• 264 springwire contacts
• Cable Assembly made by ODU
• 100 bar pressure-tight
• Special multi-layer potting
• Housing made of brass- or stainless steel

Connectors for rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs)

ODU also produce a range of connectors for RPG systems. Features include:

• Self-sealing connectors in mated and unmated condition
• Sliding contacts
• No locking system
• Pre-stressed spring
• Self-cleaning

If you are looking for an innovative, robust, secure and reliable connector solution in the military / defence area – ODU is your partner!