High-Voltage Latching Contactor for UAVs & Unmanned Systems

The contactor features high voltage isolation, small size and weight, and reduced power consumption By Mike Ball / 13 Jul 2022

Connectors & Interconnect Technologies

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 5 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

TE Connectivity KILOVAC contactorTE Connectivity has launched a new configuration of its KILOVAC CAP120R contactor, designed for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), robotics and other commercial, military and aerospace applications requiring lightweight latching coils and reduced power consumption. The new version of the 150-amp DC contactor now features a high-voltage latching configuration, as well as single pole, hermetically sealed auxiliary contacts with a latching actuator mechanism, allowing for low-power consumption uses.

The efficient design makes TE’s KILOVAC CAP120R contactor a reliable solution for power distribution, energy storage and battery systems and satisfies the demand for reliability in harsh environments for long-lasting systems due to the contactor’s lightweight design, which can withstand high break levels —1,000 A at 400 VDC and 600 A at 600 VDC. The contactor also allows versatile installation through bidirectional load switching, and the main contacts are not polarity sensitive.

TE’s KILOVAC CAP120R contactor is designed to withstand harsh environments, with specifications including:

Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
Voltage maximum: 600 Vdc
Mechanical life (Min): 100,000 cycles
Weight (Nominal): 0.14 kg

Earle Alldredge, product manager for TE’s Aerospace, Defense and Marine division, commented: “This solution was designed in response to a key industry need for higher voltage isolation, small size and weight and reduced power consumption. With this in mind, the TE KILOVAC CAP120R contactor delivers a highly versatile solution that is extremely small in size and lightweight relative to its voltage and current ratings, while still able to manage high voltages and high current systems for airborne application designs.”

Find suppliers & manufacturers of Interconnect Technologies for unmanned systems >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Jun 13, 2025
Advanced Navigation’s Micro AUV Reveals Coral Bleaching at Remote Southern Reef

Using autonomous underwater technology, Advanced Navigation and O2 Marine have documented severe coral bleaching at Hall Bank, revealing climate impacts on one of Earth’s southernmost reefs

Jun 13, 2025
D-2 CTD Sensors Displayed at Combined Naval Event 2025

D-2 Inc. highlighted its latest underwater sensor technologies and mobile fuel testing system during Combined Naval Event 2025, held May 20–22 in Farnborough, UK

Jun 13, 2025
Deep Trekker ROVs Support Inland Demining Efforts

Deep Trekker has delivered sixteen REVOLUTION ROVs to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, supporting underwater EOD missions through a UNDP initiative

Jun 13, 2025
Systork Launches Upgraded Linnet Mosaic-X5 GNSS Module

Systork introduces the Linnet Mosaic-X5, featuring enhanced thermal performance, microSD logging, and full GNSS support for drones and robotics in challenging environments

Jun 13, 2025
Wave Relay Devices Receive NSA Approval for Classified Communications

Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® devices have received NSA approval for CSfC use, offering secure, commercial alternatives to legacy classified communication solutions

Jun 13, 2025

Featured Content

MEMS DC Accelerometers from SDI Deliver Superior Performance for Unmanned Systems

SDI's MEMS DC accelerometers offer a robust solution for unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, providing precise static and dynamic motion sensing, crucial for autonomous navigation, attitude feedback, and structural monitoring

Jun 12, 2025
Calian GNSS Unveils New Anti-Jamming CRPA with XF+ Filtering

Calian GNSS has introduced the CR8894SXF+, a compact CRPA antenna with in-band null forming and XF+ filtering for resilient GNSS performance in interference-prone environments

Jun 06, 2025
Honeywell Introduces HG3900 Tactical-Grade IMU with Enhanced Sensor Accuracy

Honeywell has introduced the HG3900 IMU, a MEMS-based device with tactical-grade accuracy, offering significant SWaP advantages for precision navigation systems

Jun 05, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.