AB Connectors has secured Quality Posted Listing (QPL) qualification from the Defense Supply Centre Columbus (DSCC) and now has a QPL 38999 series III product for use primarily in avionics/aerospace situations. The qualification, gained after rigorous formal testing at the company's South Wales plant, opens the way for AB Connectors to service the lucrative and highly competitive aerospace sector.

The MIL-DTL-33999 Series III range of connectors meet the most stringent requirements of the military and aerospace industries. The high density connector has been primarily designed to deliver constant power and signal in harsh environments, for example in high G situations, but delivers superior performance in less demanding situations such as entertainment and passenger information systems on commercial aircraft.

Speaking about the qualification, Reg Crook, Divisional Sales and Marketing Director at AB Connectors said; "We have an enviable reputation in the manufacture of high quality components for use in land based military and industrial situations, such as armored vehicles and trains, however this development enables us to make great strides in our ambitious plans to move into the aerospace sector, whilst also providing the next generation of connectors to our current military customer base. The company has invested heavily in developing its manufacturing operation to both secure the QPL qualification, while safeguarding our future as a quality manufacturer in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

"As the marketplace moves towards the next generation of components, AB Connectors is able to manufacture beyond current approval to also include the Class Z products before the end of 2009. Securing the QPL qualification underlines our ongoing commitment to the marketplace and our ambition to apply focus to the aviation sector.

"TT Electronics PLC, our parent company, acquired New Chapel Electronics Ltd in 2008, a provider of back-shells, electrical harnessing systems and wiring solutions to the aerospace and military markets. Bringing the New Chapel expertise into our Interconnect group of companies and by utilizing their comprehensive range of 38999 back-shells we have a very strong product offering across all the three services. There are clear synergies between AB Connectors and New Chapel Connectors and as a group we are now perfectly placed to repeat our land-based success in the air."