ITT has announced it has completed successful testing, and has been granted a full-fielding recommendation, for its Field Replaceable Connector System (FRCS) from the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The FRCS is a jam-resistant weapon interface connector for use on F-16 MIL-STD-1760 weapons.

The connector system was developed to mate with W.L. Gore and Associates' high performance umbilical assembly for the USAF F-16 fleet.

Together, the jam-resistant weapon interface connector and the umbilical assembly offer low and consistent ejection loads. Umbilical assembly life has been demonstrated and certified in an excess of 100 ejected releases.

The new 'push to fit' design does not require any modification to the mating weapon or aircraft, allowing legacy interfaces and bespoke weapon test equipment to be retained. ITT's FRCS overcomes weapon separation issues seen by traditional connector systems.

"ITT has been working closely with W.L. Gore and Associates for a number of years to develop low-risk technical solutions," said Paul Hills, managing director of ITT's Integrated Structures division.

"By drawing on the complementary expertise of both companies, we have strengthened our position in the increasingly complex and expanding stores interface market."