Ruggedized multi-fiber fiber optic connector with sealed dust cap

A fiber optic connector and fiber optic cable assembly comprising:

• a fiber optic cable including a plurality of optical fibers, at least one strength member for reinforcing the fiber optic cable, and a cable jacket for containing the optical fibers and the strength member;
• a connector body having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an anchoring region for anchoring the strength member of the fiber optic cable;
• a multi-fiber ferrule mounted at the distal end of the connector body, the multi-fiber ferrule supporting end portions of the optical fibers;
• a protective housing mounted over the connector body, the protective housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a dimensionally recoverable sleeve positioned over the proximal end of the protective housing and over the jacket of the fiber optic cable to secure the jacket to the protective housing and to prevent contaminants from entering the protective housing through the proximal end of the protective housing;
• a dust cap that mounts over the distal end of the protective housing;
• and
• a sealing member that forms an environmental seal between the dust cap and the protective housing for preventing contaminants from entering the protective housing.