Rugged computer for radar processing in UAVs and combat vehicles introduced by Curtiss-Wright

Dec. 5, 2012
HIGH WYCOMBE, England, 5 Dec. 2012. Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions in High Wycombe, England, is shipping an enhanced version of its MPMC-9335 multi-platform mission computer (MPMC) for demanding compute-intensive applications such as image, data and radar processing in space-, weight-, and power-constrained uses such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles.

HIGH WYCOMBE, England, 5 Dec. 2012. Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions in High Wycombe, England, is shipping an enhanced version of its MPMC-9335 multi-platform mission computer (MPMC) for demanding compute-intensive applications such as image, data and radar processing in space-, weight-, and power-constrained uses such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles.

The enhanced MPMC-9335 3-slot rugged VPX system supports an extended operating temperature range, with intermittent operation rated to as hot as 71 degrees Celsius and continuous operation at 65 C baseplate temperatures.

The rugged computer has the latest generation quad-core Intel Core i7 single-board computer and 240-core NVIDIA MPMC-9335 Fermi general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU).

The MPMC-9335 combines the Curtiss-Wright 3U VPX VPX3-1256 quad core Intel-based single-board computer and 3U VPX VPX3-491 NVIDIA Fermi GPGPU-based compute engine in a rugged enclosure that measures 250 cubic inches.

The system's advanced thermal-management design requires no fans, vehicle supplied air, liquid, or other kinds of active cooling. The system's integrated 28 volts DC power supply unit supports DEF-STAN 61-5 Part 6, Issue 6.

The MPMC-9335's standard configuration includes two MilCAN offload controllers, a free VPX slot for a high-capacity and high-speed solid-state drive memory module, and an integrated heater to support cold-starts below -40 C.

The MPMC-9335 can be ordered as a modified commercial off the shelf product with a modified front panel connector set, modified backplane wiring, or a modified card set.

For more information contact Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions online at www.cwcdefense.com.

About the Author

John Keller | Editor

John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!