Page 26 - Power & Data Connectivity Expand Electronic Capabilities eBook

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Interconnect innovations driven by military ground vehicle development
Up-armoring programs such as Armor Survivability Kit (ASK), and Fragmentary Armor Kits (FRAG5 and FRAG6) did not allow conventional signal and power interconnects to be utilized for dismounted soldier connectivity. Extended- body MIL-DTL-55116-compatible interconnects allowed for conventional interior termination while providing exterior mating and enhanced survivability.
HUMMWV interior designs evolved as a result of multiple armed conflicts that highlighted advantages to mounting bulkhead feed-through interconnects, now a requirement. An easy to install and terminate extended body MIL- DTL-55116-compatible bulkhead connector is now available which accommodates the increased thickness of the vehicles’ interior surfaces.
The future of ground vehicle tactical power and communications connectivity
Advances in computer design, contractor prototype evaluations, and ancillary power requirements for tactical communications devices are now commonly preconfigured in most military vehicles and armor. Additionally, USB and quick-charge mobile interconnects are also included in tactical radio designs, as are traditional MIL-DTL-55181 interfaces. However, it is estimated that it will take the military over a decade to field roughly 58,000 JLTVs to the Army and Marines. As this number is significantly below the quantity necessary to totally replace the Humvee, the solutions explored in this article are offered to help MIL-spec component specifiers and design engineers today and in the foreseeable future.
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