Technology has never been more crucial for the defence and military sector, particularly in the current climate. In addition to improving battlefield communication and productivity, the latest devices need to support digitalisation by providing greater mobility, power, security, reliability and durability so they remain operational in even the most hostile environments. This tech must also provide seamless functionality and versatility for switching between hazardous and hostile environments. It’s a tall order, but leading organisations recognise that Durabook’s rugged devices provide a strong return on investment while proactively harnessing digital transformation for optimum operational performance.
SWaP-focused for optimal operational capability
Military and defence organisations are constantly adapting their Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) strategies to improve efficiency, operations and decision-making. Adaptability is a core requirement of this technology, which must perform several tasks, such as asset management and repair, diagnostics and maintenance, logistical organisation, flight maintenance and mission control. Durabook has evolved its rugged device range over the past few years to meet this need. Its devices are increasingly focused on size, weight and power (SWaP), resulting in smaller, lighter, more intuitive systems. However, this new SWaP focus doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Command control systems (CS2) require increasing levels of computing power, so Durabook’s computers still pack in more power for an uninterrupted performance on and off the battlefield.
Unrivalled durability and a powerful performance
Rugged devices must operate in all conditions, from sand and snowstorms, to rain of extreme heat, while withstanding drops, knocks and spillages, so Durabook devices are tested to the highest standards and include both MIL-STD and IP certifications. Beyond this, its models are designed to function safely in hazardous climates. For example, several devices, including the Z14I, U11I, R11 and R11L models, are C1D2 certified under the certification number ANSI/UL 121201, meaning they are designed specifically to work safely in locations with potentially explosive atmospheres. Atmospheric conditions on the battleground can also lead to dust build-up, causing blockages and malfunctions that can drastically impact operations. To combat this problem, Durabook’s fanless R8, U11I and Z14I devices comprise an integrated passive cooling system that eliminates the need for a fan. Additionally, the passive cooling system’s efficiency allows the devices to work with even the most powerful processors that operate at a higher frequency and dissipate more heat.
Versatility for every situation
Customisation is critical for a constantly evolving sector, so Durabook products have incorporated expansion capabilities as standard. This means, rugged laptops and tablets can be expanded to incorporate the latest technology and legacy systems. For example, the R8 model can easily be expanded to become a portable cloud or local storage device providing immediate and safe analysis, capture and analysis of data for accurate decision-making, such as GIS maps for mission planning. Plug and play expansion capabilities also means this device can be used as a remote control or radio system for automated technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), drones, or other robots. Beyond field operations, these devices can also be used as part of a logistics of warehouse management system, so bases can accurately track mission-critical supplies. An uninterrupted performance has never been more critical than on the battlefield, so these devices offer swappable batteries with an ultra-long life of up to 17 hours, drastically extending operational time and meaning soldiers can seamlessly swap in and out of operational duties.
Uncompromising security and connectivity
The ability to safely access and transmit sensitive data while in the field is mission critical, so rugged devices must guarantee top secret security classification to protect against cyber hacks, infiltration or other security threats. Data in transit can be a significant risk, so connectivity must be encrypted too. This is made possible through flexible connectivity and advanced wireless capability that allows soldiers to communicate whenever and wherever they need to, allowing instant access to data and information and using mobile communications in real-time for enhanced situational and operational circumstances. The latest devices are part of ‘modern’ soldier’s equipment and can be used to track locations in the field and feed back to the control centre. Critically, Durabook’s devices, namely the S15AB model, can be modified to be TEMPEST certified, the international standard for processing classified information. These devices allow high-speed voice and radio-activated transmission systems to operate with military satellites, enabling the secure exchange of large flows of data, while preventing EMC emissions over a given geographical area. Other important security features that can help minimise the threat of cyberattack include; personalised identification and authentication via fingerprint and smart card readers and RFID. It is also essential that storage devices can be removed easily and rapidly in case of an emergency, so that data can be protected away from the device.
The rugged device specialist for defence
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, has over 35 years of engineering experience, building rugged devices for a range of industries. The organisation built its first military-grade rugged laptop device in 2000 and now counts the US Airforce, US Army and US Marine Corps as key customers. In 2021, Durabook won the contract to supply rugged notebooks to the US Air Force Client Computing Solutions (CCS-3) and also holds federal contracts including ADMC-3, NIH IDIQ and the Veterans Administration (VA) Tablet Award. This means that Durabook is the rugged provider of choice for users from the US Department of the Air Force, Army and Navy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Durabook was selected for its product design, superior build quality and uncompromised service.
About DURABOOK
Durabook is the core brand of Twinhead International Corporation in Taiwan, a world-renowned manufacturer of rugged mobile solutions for more than 30 years. All Durabook devices are designed, manufactured and tested to the highest standards to ensure maximum quality and reliability. Committed to engineering and service excellence, Durabook products have been widely adopted by government and enterprise customers including oil and gas, utilities, field service, military, and public safety for more than a decade.
Durabook has a full range of rugged devices built specifically to meet the needs of defence, military, public safety organisations. For more information visit www.durabook.com.