How RHINO is supporting the electrification of military platforms

As military platforms move towards hybrid and electric power, the demands placed on their electrical systems are changing dramatically. Tom Oakes, Applications Engineer at Amphenol LTD, explains how RHINO and RHINO Guard support systems ranging from engines and alternators to inverters and electric motors. He also discusses why high-current capability, ruggedness and operator safety matter more than ever.

Military vehicles are becoming increasingly electrified. How is that changing what’s expected of their connector technology?

Electrification is accelerating across the military vehicle industry. We are seeing greater demand for electrical power, alongside increasingly complex electronic systems. That places much more pressure on the interconnect system, particularly in applications where high-current performance, reliability and operator safety are critical.

That is where Amphenol’s RHINO family comes in. RHINO is a high-power connector built around a MIL-DTL-38999-style shell, using single-pole, high-current contacts that are typically capable of carrying up to 1,000 A.

It has been designed specifically for demanding military and industrial applications, where connectors are regularly exposed to harsh operating conditions. As a result, RHINO connectors are rigorously qualified against vibration, shock, high and low temperatures, and a range of other environmental and electrical requirements.

What kinds of applications are RHINO connectors being used in today?

There is a broad range. On conventional vehicle platforms, high-power interconnects are typically found around the power source and throughout the vehicle’s power distribution systems, where the reliable transfer of electrical power is essential. They can also be used in ancillary equipment, including weapon and turret systems.

RHINO connectors are currently used across more than 36 major programmes and supplied to over 200 customers.

Although RHINO was originally developed for ground combat vehicles, which still account for around 90% of our sales, the connector is also being adopted in aerospace and other specialist applications. These include helicopters and radar systems. There are even RHINO connectors installed on an observatory telescope in Hawaii, which shows just how versatile the platform has become.

RHINO Guard builds on that established platform. What does it add?

RHINO Guard retains the trusted RHINO platform while adding High Voltage Interlock Loop, or HVIL, contacts. These provide a first-mate, last-break mechanism, helping to ensure that the connector is fully mated before power is allowed to flow.

As power requirements on combat vehicles continue to increase, the industry is placing much greater emphasis on safety. HVIL provides an important additional layer of protection during connection and disconnection, giving operators greater confidence when working with high-power systems.

Crucially, RHINO Guard delivers that added safety without requiring customers to move away from a connector family they already know and trust.

How does RHINO Guard meet the need for even greater power and performance?

RHINO Guard also incorporates Amphenol LTD’s proprietary Talon contact. Originally developed for Raptor, our high-voltage, high-altitude connector, the Talon contact enables RHINO Guard to operate at higher temperatures and deliver currents of up to 1,200 A.

Ultimately, the challenge is to balance power, reliability and safety. Vehicles need to deliver more electrical power without adding unnecessary size or weight. At the same time, platform designers need confidence that every connection will continue to perform in extreme conditions. That is exactly the role RHINO and RHINO Guard have been designed to fulfil.

As military platforms continue to evolve, their interconnect systems must be ready to handle more power in less space, without compromising reliability or safety. With proven RHINO technology and the added protection and performance of RHINO Guard, Amphenol LTD is helping engineers meet those demands with confidence.