MIL-DTL-38999 Series III Military Cable Assembly

Last updated: 7 September 2026

Overview

Military circular cable assembly built around the MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector family. The cable is wired to the customer-specified contact layout (number of contacts, gauge, and pin-out) and is supplied as a complete overmoulded assembly with rugged back-shells and strain relief.

Key Specifications

Connector Family	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III
Shell Sizes	09, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
Contact Layouts	Per MIL-STD-1560; 3 to 128 contacts
Shell Material	Aluminum alloy, olive drab cadmium or zinc-cobalt
Contact Material	Copper alloy, gold plating 1.27 micron typical
Operating Temperature	-65 C to +200 C
Sealing	IP67 mated
Length	OEM build to required length

Construction and Materials

The cable uses a multi-conductor bundle sized to the contact layout and gauge, overall foil + braid shielded with drain wire. The jacket is a military-grade polyurethane, fluoropolymer or neoprene compound chosen for the environment. The connector back-shells are machined aluminum with a thread-on strain relief and a 360-degree shield termination. The whole assembly is over-moulded with a TPE or polyurethane boot at the back-shell exit.

Typical Applications

Military vehicles, ground support and field radio systems
Naval shipboard electronics and rugged marine use
Avionics LRUs and ground test equipment
Industrial applications needing the 38999 contact system in a non-military environment

Compatibility and Fitment

Mates with any MIL-DTL-38999 Series III receptacle of the same shell size, layout and keying. Not compatible with Series I (bayonet) or Series II (low-scoop) shells – the thread coupling is different. For 38999 Series I or II variants request the corresponding series.

Custom Builds and Ordering

Shell size, contact layout, contact gender, keying, back-shell style, jacket material, jacket color, label print and length are all configurable. Sample 10 to 15 working days, production 20 to 30 working days.

Packaging and Shipping

Each cable individually wrapped, foam-padded and packed in a cardboard tube or wooden crate depending on length.

Quality and Compliance

Connector family qualified to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III. Cable assembly tested for continuity, hipot and insulation resistance. RoHS 2.0 compliance on file. Final compliance depends on the configured jacket, plating and contact material. Ingress protection is rated per <a href=”https://www.iec.ch” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>IEC 60529</a> and environmental robustness is screened per the <a href=”https://www.iec.ch” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>IEC 60068-2</a> series. The MIL-DTL shell standards quoted above are public US defence specifications.