Abstract: A support plate for an electrical connector shell mounted over an opening in the backplate of an avionics rack and panel tray to strengthen the connector shell from bending during insertion of and mating with a removable avionics electronics module. When an avionics module is inserted into the avionics tray, a great deal of force is applied to the connector shell tending to cause it to bend away from the force. This bending is substantially prevented by providing one or more support plates having a transverse plate aligned perpendicularly to the plane of the connector shell. The support plate is mounted on the rear side of the backplate by means of the same bolts used to mount the connector shell. The perpendicular transverse plate has a projection that extends through the opening in the backplate to abut against the rear face of the connector shell midway between its mountings, thereby resisting any rearward bowing or bending of the connector shell.