AN34-2H Military Aviation Aircraft Press Switch – High-Reliability Momentary / Maintained Switch for Flight Control & Warning Systems
Product Overview
The AN34-2H Military Aviation Aircraft Press Switch is a rugged, hermetically sealed push-button (press) switch designed for demanding flight deck, engine control, and warning system applications. Rated for 28V DC / 10A resistive load and capable of switching low-level signals down to 10μA/10mV, this aviation switch with Military Grade provides reliable momentary or maintained action with positive tactile feedback. Its glass-to-metal sealed construction (leakage ≤10⁻³ Pa·cm³/s) protects internal contacts from moisture, fuel vapors, and altitude pressure changes, while the stainless steel housing and gold-plated terminals ensure corrosion resistance and long service life. As a core product in YM’s aviation switch portfolio – which includes Aircraft Rocker Switches, Military Rocker Aviation Switch, Aircraft Swing Arm Switch, Micro switch, and certified aircraft rocker switches – the AN34-2H delivers uncompromised performance for cockpit control panels, weapon arming boxes, and ground support equipment.
Technical Specifications
Electrical Ratings
- Contact configuration: SPST, SPDT, DPST, or DPDT (momentary or maintained – specify when ordering)
- Maximum voltage: 28V DC (also compatible with 115V AC 400Hz)
- Current rating (resistive): 10A at 28V DC; 5A at 115V AC 400Hz
- Low level switching capability: 10μA – 50μA, 10mV – 50mV (gold-plated contacts)
- Initial contact resistance: ≤50mΩ; after life test ≤200mΩ
- Insulation resistance (normal atmosphere): >500MΩ at 500V DC; after high-level life test >50MΩ
- Dielectric strength (normal atmosphere): 500Vrms, 50Hz between terminals and case; under low pressure (drone altitude): 250Vrms
Mechanical & Environmental
- Mechanical life: 50,000 cycles minimum
- Electrical life (rated load): 25,000 cycles minimum
- Actuator force: 3 – 6 N (button travel 2.5mm)
- Sealing (tightness): Leakage rate ≤10⁻³ Pa·cm³/s (hermetic, glass-to-metal seal)
- Operating temperature: -55°C to +85°C (aviation grade)
- Vibration resistance: 10g RMS, 10-2000Hz per MIL-STD-810
- Shock: 50g, 11ms half-sine
- Altitude: 50,000 feet (15,240m)
- Weight: <3g – ultra-light for airborne use
- Terminal style: Solder hook or PCB through-hole (gold-plated)
- Actuator options: Non-illuminated (standard) or LED illuminated (red, green, amber, white) with NVIS compatibility
Materials & Finishes
- Housing: Stainless steel (passivated) or aluminum alloy (anodized)
- Button actuator: Polycarbonate with hard coat or stainless steel
- Contacts: Gold-plated (standard, for low-level) or silver-cadmium oxide (10A)
- Terminals: Brass with gold plating (corrosion resistant)
- Seal: Glass-to-metal (hermetic)
All parameters are validated at 25°C ambient. The AN34-2H meets MIL-PRF-8805 and RTCA/DO-160G requirements for airborne equipment.
Product Images & Visuals
Above: AN34-2H series press switch (shown with red button and gold-plated terminals). Contact YM for dimensional outline, actuator color options, and environmental qualification reports.
Key Features & Advantages for Military Aviation
- Hermetic glass-to-metal sealing (≤10⁻³ Pa·cm³/s): Protects internal contacts from moisture, salt spray, fuel vapors, and altitude pressure changes – ensures reliable operation in unpressurized bays and engine compartments.
- Positive tactile feedback: Distinct actuation click and short travel reduce pilot error in high-vibration, high-stress environments (cockpit, weapon controls).
- Low contact resistance & high isolation: ≤50mΩ initial resistance and >500MΩ insulation prevent false triggering and arc-over – ideal for critical arming and warning circuits.
- Wide temperature & vibration tolerance: -55°C to +85°C and 10g RMS vibration meet RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 – reliable for fighter jets, drones, and helicopters.
- Flexible circuit configurations: Available in SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, momentary or maintained – fits any cockpit panel or weapon control box requirement.
- Ultra-lightweight (<3g): Minimal impact on avionics weight budgets – ideal for UAVs and compact ground stations.
YM’s engineering advantage: The AN34-2H shares proven sealing and contact technology with our Aviation Rocker Switch with military grade and military rocker switches families. For complete control systems, YM also offers military grade rotary switches, aviation encoding switch with military grade, gx Aviation Connector, and static encoder aviation – a one-stop solution for aircraft cockpit, weapon, and warning systems.
How to Install & Use the AN34-2H Aviation Press Switch – Step by Step
- Select correct configuration: Determine SPST/DPDT, momentary/maintained, and illumination based on your circuit (e.g., momentary for weapon release, maintained for master arm).
- Panel cutout preparation: Standard mounting hole diameter: 12.7mm (0.5”) for bushing mount; or 15.2mm for snap-in. Use a precision drill or punch. Deburr edges.
- Mounting: Insert the switch from the front of the panel. For threaded bushing, secure with the included hex nut (torque 0.5 Nm). For snap-in, press until clips engage.
- Wiring: Solder wires to the gold-plated terminals (use 60/40 rosin-core solder, max 260°C for 5 seconds). For illuminated versions, connect LED leads (observe polarity: anode to +28V, cathode to ground). Use MIL-spec wire (20-22 AWG).
- Functional test: Apply power and press the button. Verify continuity across the closed contacts (≤50mΩ). For momentary action, confirm return to open state when released.
- Maintenance: Periodically inspect for loose terminals or damaged button cap. Clean with a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol – do not immerse. Hermetic seal requires no internal maintenance.
Pro tip for avionics integrators: For fail-safe arming circuits, use a DPST configuration with one pole to arm the weapon and the second pole to enable the firing circuit. YM can provide custom legend engraving (e.g., “ARM”, “JETT”, “MASTER CAUTION RESET”).
Application Scenarios & Key Buyer Benefits
Typical Military & Commercial Uses
- Cockpit warning & caution panels: Master caution reset, fire warning test, and gear override – momentary action with LED illumination.
- Weapon arming & release: Missile arm, bomb jettison, and gun trigger enable – maintained or momentary with protective cover.
- Engine & fuel control: Start/stop, fuel shutoff, and emergency power – hermetically sealed for engine bay environment.
- Ground support equipment (GSE): Generator start, hydraulic pump control, and battery disconnect – durable for field use.
- Drone ground control stations: Flight mode select, payload release, and FTS (flight termination system) – lightweight and sealed.
Direct Value to International Buyers (Defense OEMs, MROs, UAV Manufacturers)
- Enhanced mission safety: Positive detent and high insulation prevent accidental arming – meets MIL-STD-1472 human factors requirements.
- Reduced lifecycle cost: Hermetic sealing eliminates contact failures due to moisture and dust – lowers field returns and unscheduled maintenance.
- Easy retrofitting: Standard 12.7mm mounting hole and terminal spacing allow direct replacement of legacy switches (e.g., Honeywell, Eaton, OTTO) – no panel rework.
- Supply chain consolidation: The AN34-2H complements YM’s full line of aircraft rocker switches, aviation swing arm switch, press switch, and protect switch – one qualified source for all cockpit control needs.
For new aircraft or drone programs, YM offers custom button colors, legend engraving, and wire harness assembly. Engineering samples available for qualification testing.
Certifications & Compliance
- MIL-PRF-8805 (switches, sensitive, snap-action, general specification).
- MIL-STD-810G (environmental – temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, salt fog, altitude).
- MIL-STD-202 (test methods for electronic and electrical component parts).
- RTCA/DO-160G (airborne equipment – Category A2, S, and R).
- AS9100D (aerospace quality management).
- RoHS & REACH compliant – full material declaration available.
Each AN34-2H switch is 100% tested for contact resistance, dielectric strength, insulation resistance, and mechanical operation. Lot traceability per AS9100 is maintained. First Article Inspection (FAI) reports per AS9102 are provided upon request.
Customization Options
YM supports tailored AN34-2H variants for volume OEM orders. Customizations include:
- Circuit & action: SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT; momentary (normally open) or maintained (push-on/push-off).
- Illumination: Non-illuminated (standard), LED (red, green, amber, white, blue), incandescent (5V, 14V, 28V), or NVIS compatible (type I or II).
- Actuator color & marking: Black, white, red, yellow, green; laser engraved text or symbols (e.g., “ARM”, “TEST”, “RESET”).
- Sealing level: Hermetic glass-to-metal (standard) or silicone rubber boot (additional splash protection).
- Terminal style: Solder hook (standard), PCB pin, or wire leads (pre-stripped).
- Contact material: Gold-plated (standard, for low-level), silver-cadmium oxide (10A), or palladium (dry circuit).
- Housing material: Stainless steel (standard) or aluminum (lightweight).
Our engineering team provides free feasibility analysis and 3D models for integration. Minimum order quantities for custom options apply – contact YM with your specification sheet.
Production Process & Quality Assurance (AS9100D Certified)
YM’s aviation switch production line follows a zero-defect, fully traceable process designed to meet the stringent demands of military and aerospace customers.
- Raw material control: 100% certification of stainless steel, glass preforms, contact alloys, and wire – traceable to mill test reports and batch certificates.
- Precision machining & stamping: CNC turning of housing and button; high-speed contact stamping with in-process vision inspection.
- Glass-to-metal sealing: Automated sealing in dry nitrogen atmosphere; 100% helium mass spectrometry leak test (sensitivity 10⁻⁹ Pa·cm³/s).
- Contact assembly in Class 100 cleanroom: Alignment under microscope; dynamic force testing to ensure ≤50mΩ resistance.
- 100% functional test: Automated test system measures contact resistance, insulation resistance (500V DC), dielectric strength (500Vrms), actuator force, and travel.
- Environmental sample testing: Each lot undergoes thermal cycling (-55°C to +85°C, 20 cycles), vibration (10g RMS), and life cycle test (25,000 cycles at 10A 28VDC).
- Final documentation: Dimensional report, electrical test record, C of C, and FAI (if required) provided with each shipment. DPA (destructive physical analysis) available upon request.
With decades of experience in Military Grade Switch and aviation encoding switch manufacturing, YM has supplied over 500,000 press switches to global defense and commercial aviation customers. The AN34-2H is built to exceed the reliability expectations of modern aircraft, drones, and weapon systems.