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Series A3

EMCA’s Series A3 backshells deliver high-performance EMC shielding and environmental protection for mission-critical connector assemblies. Available in straight, 45°, and 90° configurations, these backshells are engineered for secure cable management and space-efficient routing in demanding environments. Featuring band termination / constant force spring (CFS) platforms and robust strain relief options, Series A3 supports quick, reliable installations across a wide range of MIL-DTL-38999 (D38999) Series III and IV connectors. Trusted in aerospace, and high-reliability industrial systems, this series offers proven performance in harsh operating conditions.

A3 Straight Band CFS Hybrid black connector backshell
A3 90° NN Band CFS Hybrid black connector backshell
A3 45° Band CFS Hybrid Black connector backshell

Compatible with Polamco 91H & other popular backshells

Series A3 backshells are a direct replacement for:

Key features

  • Aerospace and Defence approved (EN / AS 9100, ISO 9001)
  • Direct replacement for Polamco/TE backshells, Amphenol backshells and parts from other major manufacturers like Glenair, Deutsch, ITT Cannon and Souriau
  • Available in RoHS and REACH compatible platings such as Tin-Zinc, Black Zinc-Nickel, EMCA´s black hybrid finish and the VG approved J-plating
  • Threaded coupling
  • Optional knurled coupling ring

How to order:  A37 – Band / CFS Backshells*

A37-524
A37-525
A37-526
4 J 08 KN
Basic part number
Shell size code
ARefer to table A for the required Shell Size code
Material and plating code
CRefer to table C for the required Shell Finish code
Cable entry size
BRefer to table B for the required Shell Entry Size code
Option knurled coupling ring

* Please refer to datasheets for all other backshell types.
All dimensions in mm (inch) unless specified otherwise.

Table A: Shell Size

Shell Size Shell Size Code
08 (A) 1
10 (B) 2
12 (C) 3
14 (D) 4
16 (E) 5
18 (F) 6
20 (G) 7
22 (H) 8
24 (J) 9

Table B: Cable Entry Size

Entry Size Code ØD2 min. ØD3 max.
03 4.7 (0.185) 13.9 (0.547)
04 6.3 (0.248) 13.9 (0.547)
05 7.9 (0.311) 15.5 (0.610)
06 9.5 (0.374) 17.2 (0.677)
07 11.1 (0.437) 18.7 (0.736)
08 12.7 (0.500) 20.3 (0.799)
09 14.2 (0.559) 21.9 (0.862)
10 15.8 (0.622) 23.5 (0.925)
11 17.4 (0.685) 25.1 (0.988)
12 19.0 (0.748) 26.7 (1.051)
13 20.6 (0.8115) 25.1 (0.988)
14 22.2 (0.874) 29.9 (1.177)
15 23.8 (0.937) 31.5 (1.240)
16 25.4 (1.000) 33.1 (1.303)
17 27.0 (1.063) 34.7 (1.366)
18 28.6 (1.126) 36.3 (1.429)
19 30.2 (1.189) 37.9 (1.492)
20 31.8 (1.252) 39.5 (1.555)
21 33.3 (1.311) 41.1 (1.618)
22 35.0 (1.378) 42.7 (1.681)
23 36.5 (1.437) 44.3 (1.744)
24 38.1 (1.500) 45.9 (1.807)

Table C: Material & Plating

Material & Plating Code Technical Design ROHS / REACH Complaint Electrically Conductive Salt Spray Resistance (MIL Spec) Salt Spray Resistance (VG Spec)
J Black Hybrid finish
  • Coupling ring: Al- alloy, black anodized.
  • Shell: Electroless nickel plating, exposed area is selective black coated.
  • Screen termination system has a very good electrical conductivity (electroless nickel).
  • All visible parts are black coloured in assembled condition.
  • Version *J* is intermateable with Cadmium-, Nickel, Zinc-Nickel-, and Zinc-Cobalt plated connectors.
Yes Yes 500 hrs 5 days cyclic
U Olive drab Hybrid finish
  • Coupling ring: Al- alloy, olive drab anodized.
  • Shell: Electroless nickel plating, exposed area is selective olive drab coated.
  • Screen termination system has a very good electrical conductivity (electroless nickel).
  • All visible parts are olive drab coloured in assembled condition.
  • Version *U* is intermateable with Cadmium-, Nickel, Zinc-Nickel-, and Zinc-Cobalt plated connectors.
Yes Yes 500 hrs 5 days cyclic
5 Electroless nickel
Base material: Al- alloy.
Yes Yes 48 hrs 48 hrs
2 Zinc-Nickel black
  • Coupling ring: Al- alloy, black anodized.
  • Shell: Zinc-Nickel black chromate over electroless nickel.
Yes Yes 500 hrs n.a.
6 Cadmium olive drab
  • Coupling ring: Al- alloy, olive drab anodized.
  • Shell: Al- alloy cadmium plated olive drab over electroless nickel.
No Yes 500 hrs 5 days cyclic
9 Marine Bronze
Material: CuAl10Ni5Fe4 (CW307G).
No additional plating.
Yes Yes n.a. n.a.
1 Stainless Steel / passivated
Yes Yes n.a. n.a.

Order Examples

A37-526-4 J 08

  • Straight Band / CFS Backshell
  • Size 15
  • EMCA Black Hybrid Finish
  • ØD2 = 12.7mm (0.500)
  • Coupling ring with flats

A37-526-4 J 08 KN

  • Straight Band / CFS Backshell
  • Size 15
  • EMCA Black Hybrid Finish
  • ØD2 = 12.7mm (0.500)
  • Knurled coupling ring

Frequently asked questions about D38999 connectors

What is the purpose of a backshell on a D38999 connector?

A backshell on a D38999 connector serves several critical purposes: it provides robust mechanical strain relief to protect the cable connection, ensures effective environmental sealing against moisture and contaminants, and offers crucial EMI/RFI shielding to maintain signal integrity. By safeguarding the delicate cable-to-connector transition, the backshell guarantees reliable performance even in demanding environments.

How do I choose the right backshell for my D38999 connector application?

Selecting the appropriate backshell for your D38999 connector hinges on several key factors dictated by your specific application. Consider the necessary level of shielding (EMI/RFI), the required degree of environmental sealing, and your preferred cable routing (straight, 45°, 90°). Other important aspects include the connector series and shell size compatibility, as well as the desired termination style, such as banding or constant force spring.

Do D38999 backshells offer EMI/RFI shielding capabilities?

Yes, many D38999 backshells are specifically designed to provide effective EMI/RFI shielding. This is often achieved through conductive metal-to-metal contact between the backshell and the connector, along with reliable termination platforms like band straps or constant force springs. For example, our EMCA Series A3 backshells are engineered with robust shielding features to ensure optimal electromagnetic compatibility.

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