Vetronics systems today are increasingly focused on C4ISR [command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance], interoperability with other battlefield elements, and the capability to be optionally unmanned if necessary.

The Curtiss-Wright AMMS has a high-speed embedded computing suite for high -performance processing, and a modular, scalable open-systems architecture.

The advent of unmanned systems reflects a huge aspect of warfare – that of protecting the warfighter – through the development of platforms that can be operated by humans from a distance, keeping them out of harm’s way.

Military experts are developing new enabling technologies to help unmanned aircraft, ground vehicles, submarines, and surface vessels swarm and make decisions without human intervention.

Additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing, is having an influence on military logistics, and helps supply personnel get replacement parts where and when they’re needed — even on the front lines.

Reliable, secure communications become much more critical in unmanned systems. If communications are lost, the unmanned system may need to throttle back.

Featured products will include ultra-small form factor mission computers and network switches, rugged high capacity storage solutions - such as the Data Transport System, and size, weight, and power (SWaP)-optimized embedded avionics systems - such as the ultra-lightweight Fortress Crash Protected Recorder.

Paul Davis looks at how netbooting provides a superior alternative solution for installing and updating software that delivers huge labor savings.