What is MIL-PFF-39012?

The MIL-PFF-39012 is a U.S. military performance specification that outlines the general requirements and testing procedures for radio frequency (RF) connectors designed for use with flexible RF cables and certain other types of coaxial transmission lines. This document specifies requirements for RF connectors related to their critical interface material, center contacts, connector bodies, configurations, physical dimensions, mating (visual indication), screw threads, marking, workmanship, packaging, and more. It also specifies performance requirements related to parameters such as mating characteristics, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), corrosion, contact resistance, dielectric withstanding voltage, vibration, shock (specified pulse), RF insertion loss, coupling proof torque, and hermetic seal (pressurized connectors). 

Additionally, the MIL-PFF-39012 document outlines test methods and procedures, including tests as listed below to conduct Qualification inspection, Conformance inspection, and Periodic inspection to verify whether the connector samples meet all the requirements specified in this standard. 

• Visual and mechanical examination testing
• Electrical tests
• Thermal shock testing
• Vibration testing

Manufacturers (contractors) supplying RF connectors to U.S. military applications must meet all the requirements specified in the MIL-PFF-39012 specification to ensure that their products function reliably and can withstand the harsh environmental conditions found in military operations.  

In this specification, the connectors are categorized as follows, and this standard applies to these connector categories. 

• Field serviceable connectors (Category A) 
• Non-field replaceable connectors (Category B)
• Field replaceable solder center contact connectors (Category C) 
• Field replaceable crimp center contact connectors (Category D) 
• Field replaceable connectors (Category E) 
• Field replaceable crimp, for semirigid cable (Category F) 

The purpose of the MIL-PFF-39012 standard is to ensure that the RF connectors products supplied to the U.S. military can operate reliably and withstand the harsh conditions found in military environments. This military standard is used by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. It is revised periodically, and MIL-DTL-39012 Revision F (w/AMENDMENT 4, dated 15 July 2022) is the current revision (As of October 2024).

MIL-PFF-39012 certification process overview: 

According to the MIL-PFF-39012 specification, RF connector manufacturer (contractor) is required to have their products listed in the applicable Qualified Products List (QPL) prior to being awarded a contract. To be included in the QPL, the manufacturer must establish and maintain a QPL system according to the requirements of the MIL-STD-790 standard. The QPL system ensures that connector samples undergo all the required qualification testing, including environmental, mechanical, electrical, and performance tests as specified by this specification. The contractor must have evidence of completing the required qualification tests.

The qualifying activity (QA) is generally a government agency that will verify evidence of compliance submitted by the manufacturer. If the product meets all qualification requirements or the necessary standards mentioned in this specification, the QA will issue a certificate authorizing the product's listing in the applicable QPL.

To retain qualification, the contractor must ensure that the products consistently meet all the requirements of the MIL-PFF-39012 standard and verify compliance with qualifying activity (QA). 

The table provides other key information about MIL-DTL-39012: