The 8XE range benefits from the experience accumulated by Souriau with Mil-C-26482 bayonet connectors for severe environments. The contacts are bonded in a neoprene insulator, which is then inserted in a metal shell made of aluminium or stainless steel. The locking ring, also metal, is overmolded with a high-strength glass-fibre-reinforced polymer, and the same material is used for the backshell. The result is a connector with particularly high impact resistance, which can even be run over by a heavy vehicle without sustaining damage. Two specific devices also protect the cable. First, a plastic ring, also known as a strain reliever, located inside the backshell acts as a take-up mechanism for the inner reinforcement of the cable (Kevlar wire) and avoids the risk of tearing or breakage. Second, an elastomer rear sleeve retains the cable and avoids damage through contact with the backshell. The cable is thus held and protected even in the case of strong traction or tight bends.

The moulded-ring locking mechanism is particularly ergonomic, a one-third turn bayonet coupling system with a tactile and audible click ensuring the right connection. The 8XE connectors have an IP68 protection rating. They ensure stable performance when immersed at a depth of 15 m for 120 hours. Sealing is accomplished first by a coupling seal compressed with the receptacle, then by O-rings at the rear of the backshell, and finally by the compression exerted on the cable by the elastomer sleeve. An elastomer plug is also provided for sealing when the connector is not mated. They also have 500 h resistance to salt spray and a working temperature range from –55 °C to +125 °C.

There are some thirty models in the 8XE range, with 7 shell sizes from 10 to 22, and can have up to 55 contacts. They are all compatible and intermatable with Mil-C-26482 connectors. They are guaranteed for 500 mating/unmating cycles, and can be used for transmission of signals or power up to 13 A DC.

Further information: www.souriau.com