Amphenol Aerospace AP-93 Class AA Connectors Now Available from FDH Electronics

As aerospace and defense programs move toward safer, more environmentally responsible materials, engineers need cadmium-free connector finishes that do not compromise performance. FDH Electronics is proud to offer Amphenol Aerospace Operations’ AP-93-plated MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connectors, a major advancement in corrosion-resistant interconnect technology for mission-critical systems.

AP-93 is the first RoHS-compliant D38999 connector finish approved by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for the new Class AA designation. Amphenol Aerospace Operations (AAO) is the first and currently the only manufacturer qualified to supply this new QPL product class.

A New Class Within the MIL-DTL-38999 Specification

Class AA is a new service class within the MIL-DTL-38999 specification, available for Series III connector configurations. It provides engineers and procurement teams with a qualified, cadmium-free option for applications requiring exceptional corrosion resistance, conductivity, durability, and environmental compliance.

Amphenol’s AP-93 is a conductive tri-nickel alloy finish developed for aluminum connectors. It is identified as Class AA on qualified MIL-DTL-38999 part numbers and as service class DS for corresponding Amphenol commercial part numbers.

This addition to the specification is especially important for military, aerospace, and industrial programs seeking to reduce or eliminate restricted substances while continuing to meet demanding performance requirements.

High-Performance Protection Without Cadmium

AP-93 meets a 1,000-hour dynamic salt spray requirement, twice the 500-hour performance associated with olive-drab cadmium Class W finishes. It also delivers the durability and electrical performance required for harsh-environment connector applications.

Key features include:

• DLA approval for the MIL-DTL-38999 Class AA Qualified Products List
• REACH and RoHS compliance
• 1,000-hour dynamic salt spray resistance
• 500 mating cycles per MIL-DTL-38999 requirements
• Operating temperatures up to 392°F (200°C)
• Shell-to-shell conductivity of less than 2.5 millivolts
• Compatibility and intermateability with cadmium-plated connectors
• Non-magnetic performance
• Availability on MIL-DTL-38999 Series III /20, /24, and /26 shell styles

Because AP-93 connectors are intermateable with cadmium-plated configurations, they can provide a practical drop-in solution for many existing systems. This compatibility can help programs transition away from cadmium without requiring extensive redesigns or changes to installed mating interfaces.

Designed for Demanding Applications

AP-93-plated connectors are well suited for platforms exposed to salt, moisture, temperature extremes, vibration, and other harsh operating conditions. Their combination of corrosion resistance, conductivity, and lubricity makes them an excellent choice for threaded connector applications across:

• Military and commercial aircraft
• Naval and marine systems
• Ground vehicles
• Weapons and missile systems
• Space and satellite platforms
• Unmanned systems
• High-reliability industrial equipment

For designers supporting new programs, Class AA offers a qualified path to cadmium-free compliance. For legacy platforms, the finish provides an opportunity to modernize connector specifications while maintaining compatibility with existing cadmium-plated hardware.

Source AP-93 Class AA Connectors from FDH Electronics

As a trusted interconnect distributor and aerospace supply chain partner, FDH Electronics provides access to Amphenol Aerospace’s newly qualified AP-93 Class AA connector offering. Our knowledgeable team can help customers identify the appropriate shell style, insert arrangement, contact configuration, polarization, and termination option for their application.

Partnering with FDH Electronics provides:

• Access to genuine Amphenol Aerospace products
• Support identifying qualified Class AA and commercial DS part numbers
• Expert assistance with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III configurations
• Reliable sourcing and fulfillment for prototype, production, and sustainment requirements
• Supply chain support for aerospace, defense, space, and industrial programs worldwide

Amphenol Aerospace has established an important milestone as the first and currently only QPL manufacturer for this new D38999 Class AA offering. FDH Electronics is ready to help customers take advantage of this qualified, high-performance alternative to cadmium.

Contact FDH Electronics today to request a quote or learn more about AP-93 Class AA MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connectors for your next program.