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Mil-Spec connector for aerospace market

Connector Solutions for Mission-Critical Aerospace Applications

Aerospace systems demand uncompromising reliability in extreme conditions and in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Engineers face rising market pressure to reduce weight and support new aircraft electrification trends, while continuing to meet rigorous performance and durability standards. 

Explore how Molex and AirBorn, a Molex company, support mission-critical aerospace applications with lightweight, rugged MIL-SPEC connectors, cable assemblies and power solutions proven for peak performance in the harshest environments.

Rugged, Reliable and Miniaturized Connectors for Critical Aerospace Applications


Aerospace systems operate under some of the most demanding conditions. From intense vibration and wide temperature fluctuations to moisture, dust and constant electrical noise, every component must perform without compromise. Ensuring long-term reliability means choosing interconnect solutions that meet strict military-grade standards, resist environmental and mechanical stress and protect signal integrity across mission-critical systems. As the industry accelerates toward electrified platforms like more electric aircraft (MEA) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems, connector design and validation must also adapt to support higher electrical loads and system complexity.

Meeting these challenges requires advanced connector engineering that delivers performance without trade-offs. Aerospace applications demand compact, rugged solutions that combine environmental sealing, secure latching and precision shielding—all while minimizing weight and footprint. Success depends on deep materials expertise, adherence to strict industry standards and the ability to design for high-density, high-speed signal transmission under extreme operating conditions.

Molex and AirBorn bring decades of aerospace and defense experience to every design, offering connector solutions that are purpose-built for reliability, durability and performance. Our portfolio includes micro-miniature and high-density connectors, rugged flex circuits, lightweight cable assemblies and robust power supplies—all engineered to meet or exceed MIL and IPC standards. With high pin densities, secure power distribution and lightweight construction, these solutions enable compact, efficient systems that perform reliably in the harshest environments—where failure is not an option.

Lightweight, High-Reliability Connectors Built for Critical Aerospace Applications


“Rugged” and “Reliable” Defined: The Hard Data Behind Aerospace-Grade Connectors

With repeated takeoffs, extreme temperature fluctuations and exposure to vacuum and radiation, electronic systems in aerospace applications face conditions unlike any other market. To ensure long-term performance, connectors must be rugged and reliable, achieving a balance of mechanical resilience, sealing and EMI shielding with minimal design trade-offs.

The Defining and Advancing Rugged, Reliable Connectivity in Aerospace and Defense report from Molex and AirBorn outlines the characteristics of MIL-SPEC connectors that meet these rigorous demands. 

Rugged Connector Report for Aerospace

Boosting Efficiency and Performance with Lightweight, Miniaturized MIL-SPEC Connectors

As aerospace applications grow more complex, companies are prioritizing weight reduction and fuel efficiency. Designers need lightweight, compact MIL-SPEC connectors and cable solutions that save space and improve efficiency without sacrificing performance or durability in extreme environments. 

Molex and AirBorn leverage decades of engineering expertise and an expansive range of lightweight, compact MIL-SPEC connectors with advanced materials and high pin density to support space-constrained, mission-critical applications with robust electrical connections.

Corporate Jet

MEA and Escalating Electrification in Aerospace Applications

The growing trend towards MEA, eVTOLs and the electrification of key aviation systems, such as hybrid electric and fully electric propulsion, is causing a major shift across the aerospace industry. Design engineers for aerospace systems and applications are challenged to develop advanced connector solutions that can handle increased electric loads and complex power distribution networks, while also maintaining performance in harsh environments. 

Molex and AirBorn meet these demands with their expertise in aerospace electrification and MIL-SPEC ruggedized connector design, providing a wide range of connectivity and electronic components to support efficient aerospace electrification. 

eVTOL

Rugged, Reliable Solutions for Aerospace Applications

Designed to the unique reliability requirements of commercial air and space exploration, Airborn’s expansive portfolio of proven connector, cable and electronic assembly solutions help address the most complex rugged connectivity challenges.

AirBorn, a Molex Company

Aerospace Resources


BLOG

Aerospace Connector Innovation with Molex and AirBorn

Molex and AirBorn joined forces in 2024 to accelerate innovation in the aerospace connector market. Learn more about our achievements since then, exploring how our combined strengths in engineering, product development and customer service deliver greater value through more integrated, highly reliable connectivity solutions. 

Two people in an office setting exchange a handshake

Blog

Molex and AirBorn: A Strategic Acquistion Poised to Transform Aerospace and Defense Connectivity Solutions

Learn how AirBorn, a Molex company, and Molex combine forces to drive connectivity innovation and expand capabilities in the aerospace sector.

AirBorn, a Molex Company

Blog

Engineering Contact Engagement and Normal Force for Long-Term Aerospace and Defense Connector Performance

In aerospace systems, even subtle degradation at the contact point can lead to critical performance issues over time. This blog breaks down how contact engagement and normal force affect connector reliability in environments exposed to constant vibration, shock and thermal stress.

Engineering contact engagement and normal force for Mil-Spec connectors

Aerospace and Defense Solutions Leadership Series


Molex and AirBorn: Better Together

In 2024, Molex acquired AirBorn, bringing together two industry leaders to better serve the growing aerospace and defense markets. Learn how the strategically timed acquisition combines Molex technology and scale with AirBorn expertise and customer relationships to enable faster, more effective aerospace and MIL-SPEC connector solutions. 

Voice of the Customer and Innovation in Aerospace and Defense

As customer-first organizations, AIrBorn and Molex aim to understand customers’ future priorities and anticipate their evolving needs. Learn how the “Voice of the Customer” is used to develop next-gen MIL-SPEC aerospace solutions, including a VPX power supply and connectivity solutions for a helmet-mounted heads-up display designed with direct customer input. 

Industry Trends in Aerospace and Defense

In this video, Molex and AirBorn explore emerging aerospace and defense trends, from AI-driven design and aircraft electrification to modular open systems. Learn how we are advancing MIL-SPEC connector solutions and enabling the faster speeds, smaller sizes and greater system flexibility necessary for future mission-critical systems.  

Future Outlook: Aerospace and Defense at Molex

Discover how Molex and AirBorn are shaping the future of aerospace and defense connectivity by merging capabilities in RF, fiber optics and power technologies with trusted MIL-SPEC expertise and customer connections. This expanded solution offering helps enable them to expand solution offerings, accelerate innovation and deliver unmatched speed, performance and service.