TE Connectivity, Alpine Debut Next-Gen Lightweight Connectors at Paris Air Show

June 14, 2025
Blog

Alpine Advanced Materials and TE Connectivity showcase advanced-material connectors delivering weight reduction and improved aerospace efficiency

June 2025 (Paris, France) – Alpine Advanced Materials and TE Connectivity Corporation are unveiling a new line of ultra-lightweight, injection-molded connector housings at the Paris Air Show, engineered to reduce weight, extend product life, and improve operational efficiency across the fleet. Developed with Alpine’s multi-scale reinforced polymer, HX5®, the components provide up to 50% weight savings over legacy parts traditionally machined from aluminum or stainless steel. TE connectors on display include high-voltage 987 series connectors for eVTOL platforms, ARINC 600 size 2 shells for commercial aerospace, and quick-install DMCM components.

“Advanced materials like HX5 are the future of high-performance design,” said Joe D’Cruz, CEO and executive chairman of Alpine Advanced Materials. “By rethinking legacy parts through the lens of advanced materials, we’re opening the door to stronger, lighter, more sustainable systems across industries.”

Beyond weight savings, the connector housings from Alpine offer resistance to corrosion, electromagnetic radiation, and thermal cycling — ideal for the harsh environments of both aerospace and outer space. Originally developed for the extreme demands of the F-35, HX5 is now enabling scalable manufacturing of durable, lightweight components across platforms and industries.

“We’re always looking for the best materials and methods to meet the evolving demands of our customers,” said Jamie Janawitz, Chief Technology Officer, Aerospace, Defense and Marine at TE Connectivity. “Combining leading-edge polymers with proven TE designs lets us deliver best-in-class solutions that are ready for what’s next.”

The components will be on display at the Paris Air Show from June 16–22, 2025, at TE Connectivity’s booth (C49) in Hall 2B. Detailed specifications and weight savings data is available here.

 

About Alpine Advanced Materials

Alpine Advanced Materials is a leading expert in the design, prototype and supply of custom-engineered parts for the world’s most demanding defense, commercial aerospace, space, and emerging transportation applications. With experience across multiple industries, a collaborative approach, and deep expertise in designing for manufacturing, Alpine delivers the future of innovation with high-performance thermoplastic composite materials.

 

About TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Their broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers, medical technology and more. With more than 85,000 employees, including 9,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 130 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS.

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