Avionics Bending: NAS 1599 / MIL-C-26482 Connectors

NAS 1599 Connectors used on the L-1011
from. Engineering Description Series, Lockheed, April 1976

Lockheed selected a modified NAS 1599 connector for the L-1011. All of the connectors used on the aircraft are bayonet type connectors. The connectors use standards pins and sockets that can be inserted with a metal or plastic tool and removed with either a metal or plastic tool. The connectors and pin sizes are still in use with aircraft today. The connectors themselves are very very durable, made out of metal and can cover a pretty insane temperature range (-20C to 200C).  The image above is a drawing taken from a Lockheed publication. Below you can see how each of the connector pieces interfaces with the other.

NAS 1599 Connectors used on the L-1011

from. Engineering Description Series, Lockheed, April 1976

Each pin or socket is held in place by a retention collet. The removal tool basically pushes the retention collet open and allows for the pin or socket to be pulled out of the back of the connector.  See image below. This feature makes these very expensive MIL standard connectors reusable.

NAS 1599 Connectors used on the L-1011

from. Engineering Description Series, Lockheed, April 1976