Floating connector subassembly and connector including same

A fiber optic connector comprising:

• a plug housing having an inner surface that defines a cavity extending axially and a plug housing engaging surface therein, the plug housing defining a forward opening in communication with the cavity for receiving an optical fiber extending into a ferrule and defining a rearward opening in communication with the cavity, the rearward opening configured for the optical fiber and the ferrule to extend substantially axially, the plug housing engaging surface disposed proximate the rearward opening, the plug housing inner surface defining a key extending into the cavity, the key defining a height in a radial direction that decreases in a direction axially away from the rearward opening;
• and
• a ferrule holder configured to hold the ferrule and including a ferrule holder engaging surface engageable with the plug housing engaging surface, the ferrule holder having an outer surface defining an axial extending groove for slidably receiving the key so that the ferrule holder is increasingly radially movable relative to the plug housing inner surface as the ferrule holder moves relative to the plug housing in a direction axially away from the rearward opening, such that the connector subassembly provides radially floating alignment of the ferrule;
• a spring element disposed within the plug housing and urging the ferrule holder in a direction axially toward the rearward opening;
• a crimp body attached to the plug housing so as to compress the spring element;
• and
• a boot attached to the plug housing via the crimp body and disposed about a portion of the optical fiber.