Aerospace

Samtec connectors enable rapid design of unmanned craft

17 August 2026

Samtec, Inc. announces the UxV/35-FleXYZ ESQT series of durable interconnect systems designed to stack and nest, forming a vertical 35-pin bus that adjusts to different design sizes and configurations. These connectors support the UXV/35 standard for small, unmanned craft from the RMS Consortium.

The UxV/35 standard

The UxV/35 standard supports fast-track, small, unmanned craft designs by providing compatible, open-source flight and vehicle control with snap-together systems and minimal wiring. The standard includes guidance on connector definitions, PCB design/layout, electrical interfaces (pin mapping), stackable bus architecture, power distribution frameworks and module definitions. Modules can be combined to function in application-specific configurations, such as flight controllers, electronic speed controls (ESCs), power distribution and communications. Detailed information on the standard can be found at UxV/35 Standard — RMS Consortium.

UxV/35 durable interconnect

Source: Samtec, Inc.Source: Samtec, Inc.

In collaboration with members of the RMS Consortium, Samtec developed a series of durable interconnect systems, UxV/35-FleXYZTM ESQT, based on a 2 mm grid with a 3×3 pin configuration. Because these connectors stack and nest, they can be used to form a vertical bus that adjusts to different design sizes and configurations. Specifically, the series comprises 9-pin and 8-pin connectors with either long-pin or short-pin configurations. Designers combine three 9-pin connectors with one 8-pin that acts as a keying guide for assembly, creating a 35-pin bus.

To help indicate that they are U.S.-sourced, the connectors feature a distinctive blue housing. Test reports, including power integrity, severe environmental and solder heat resistance testing, as well as prints and PADS, files are available on the Samtec product page: UXV/35 Standard Products.

Availability

Well-suited for use in small, unmanned craft, including unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), unmanned surface vehicle (USV; water), and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designs for military or commercial use, the UxV/35-FleXYZ ESQT series is available directly from Samtec or through Samtec’s authorized distribution partners.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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