The various configuration of the connectors are intended for use as follows:

a. Series I connectors: General application within weapon system where a quick disconnect coupling system is required for blind mating or other mating problem areas. These connectors provide high-vibration characteristics and are suitable for severe wind and moisture problem (SWAMP) areas with proper connector accessories.

Class G, finish F - Provides a conductive shell for EMI considerations but with additional requirements for space grade applications.

Class H, - Same as class Y but with additional requirements for space grade applications

Class T, finish F - Provides a conductive shell for EMI considerations

Class Y - Applications where pressure must be maintained.

b. Series II connectors: General application within weapon systems which are not subjected to high vibration or SWAMP areas. These connectors are not scoop proof (see 6.1.1). Connectors are light weight.

c. Series III connectors: General application within weapons systems and are suitable for blind mating areas. These connectors provide high-vibration characteristics at elevated temperature and are suitable for SWAMP areas with the proper connector accessories.

Class W - Provides a corrosion resistance shell.

Class F - Provides a conductive shell for EMI requirements.

Class K - Provides a stainless steel firewall connector for engine applications.

Class S - Provides a stainless steel firewall connector with enhanced EMI performance

Class Y - Applications where pressure must be maintained.

Class J - Provides a corrosion resistant, lightweight composite shell with conductivity equivalent to class W.

Class M - Provides a corrosion resistant, lightweight composite connector with conductive plating for EMI performance equivalent to class F.

Class G - Same as class F but additional requirements for space grade applications

Class H - Same as class Y but additional requirements for space grade applications

d. Series IV connectors: General application within weapons systems where a quick disconnect coupling system is required for blind mating or other mating problem areas. These connectors provide high-vibration characteristics and are suitable for SWAMP areas with the proper connector accessories.

Classes W, F, G, H, J, M, and Y - Same as for series III.

e. Series I and II are intermateable with series I and II respectively of MIL-C-27599.

a. Users of connectors, covered by this specification, in new design systems and support equipment are advised to evaluate carefully for each application the relative merits of the long shell series I, III, IV, and short shell series II connectors. When considering use of the short shell series II connectors, the following areas must be evaluated:

(1) Series II connectors are vulnerable to pin contact bending from scooping, with contact size 22 being the most vulnerable.

(2) Use of series II connectors should be avoided in areas of blind mating.

(3) Receptacles should be located so as to minimize the amount of required cable bending. When using series II connectors with large cables which must be bent at right angles, the cables must have the right angle bend permanently established.

(4) Series II connector should not be used with heavy jacketed cable and excessive overhang moments, because of possible shell damage.

(5) Series II connectors should not be used in areas of rough handling such as experienced near engine removal, generators, support equipment, or portable equipment, etc.

(6) When mating series II connectors in areas of difficult visibility, care must be exercised to make sure that all bayonet pins are engaged by the coupling ring, since it is possible to engage only one bayonet pin and therefore only partially couple.

(7) When mating series II connectors in areas of difficult visibility, care must be exercised to make sure that connector plugs with pins are not coupled to receptacles with pins. This situation will result in the contacts touching.

b. When the use of series IV connectors are considered, the design of the coupling system should be evaluated. If the coupling mechanism between the coupling ring and the shell is not properly positioned prior to the mating operation, the coupling ring must be repositioned prior to mating.

c. Class P connectors shall not be used in Air Force new design applications, except when specifically approved by the procuring activity.

d. Application restrictions concerning the use of these connectors are set forth in MIL-STD-1353.

e. Recommended panel cutout dimensions are shown on figure 28.

f. The intermating of composite connectors to metal shell connectors or accessories should be restricted until the completion of an evaluation which indicates acceptability. Compatibility of connectors should be addressed when intermating different classes.