What is MIL-DTL-287?

MIL-DTL-287 is a U.S. military specification that outlines the general requirements for flexible waveguide assemblies (twistable and non-twistable). Flexible waveguide assemblies can be used in complex installations as their flexibility allows motion between connected components. The MIL-DTL-287 specification outlines key electrical and mechanical characteristics that these flexible waveguide assemblies must comply with in order to be used for High-Reliability Applications by the US Military. 

Flexible Waveguides 

The MIL-DTL-287 specification outlines general requirements for these waveguide assemblies, including requirements related to the material used (for fabricating), design, interface and physical dimensions, assembly finish, and packaging. This document also specifies performance requirements such as insertion loss, Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), pressurization, cold bending, vibration, shock, moisture resistance, thermal shock, power handling capability, bending test, and workmanship.

Manufacturers (contractors) supplying twistable and non-twistable, flexible waveguide assemblies to the U.S. military must meet all the requirements specified in the MIL-DIL-287 to ensure that their products function reliably and can withstand the harsh environmental conditions found in military operations. According to this standard, the contractor must submit waveguide samples (as specified in this document) for inspection and verification. The MIL-DTL-287 Standards document also outlines details regarding materials inspection, as well as the first article inspection and conformance inspection, including the test methods, test setup, and procedures used to verify whether the submitted waveguide samples meet all requirements specified in this standard. For example, Figure 1 shows the Insertion loss measurement test setup to measure the insertion loss of the test sample in conformance inspection. 

Figure 1: Insertion loss measurement test setup (Referenced from MIL-DTL-287 Revision J 

If the submitted samples meet the all requirements of the MIL-DTL-287 specification, the contractor can supply waveguide assemblies covered by this specification to U.S. military applications. Waveguide assemblies covered by this specification are uniquely designed for military applications, as they must operate reliably and withstand unique military environments worldwide for prolonged periods.

The MIL-DTL-287 military standard is used by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. It is revised periodically, and MIL-DTL-287 Revision J (w/AMENDMENT1, dated 15 December 2021) is the current revision (As of October 2024).

The table provides other key information about MIL-DTL-287: