Secure Network Router and Gigabit Switch for Maritime Patrol Aircraft
A leading aircraft system integrator required a rugged network router and switch as part of a mission system upgrade contract for a European navy aircraft fleet assigned to maritime patrol, reconnaissance, antisurface warfare and anti-submarine warfare applications. Secure network connectivity for the aircraft’s onboard communications and computing devices was required as part of the technology refresh to facilitate the navy’s ability to participate in future coalition operations and promote continued interoperability with allied nations. The customer sought a rugged Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) industry-standard Cisco Systems® IOS®-based network router solution to leverage Cisco software familiarity and proven network management and security capabilities. To satisfy stringent Size, Weight, Power & Cost (SWaP-C) constraints, the customer also desired a solution that not only integrated the router, but also a high port-count, fully-managed Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch, consolidated into a single, small form factor Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). The selection of the networking solution would be heavily influenced by past platform performance on similar aircraft, as well as the MIL-STD environmental, EMI, and power compliance per MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-704.
Full MIL-STD qualification testing was completed prior to delivery to the prime system integrator to fulfill its contract to its European customer. The integrated solution enables the naval aircraft’s mission systems to acquire proven and rugged Advanced Enterprise Cisco IOS routing capabilities, ensuring a high level of security, performance and manageability expected for inflight data, video, and voice services. The small form factor network device also integrates a DuraNET 20-10 high port-count Gigabit Ethernet switch for abundant connectivity, including 19 external ports with Gigabit bandwidth for onboard devices. With the new electronics package installed, this maritime surveillance aircraft is well equipped to satisfy mission requirements and leverage the best in rugged COTS IP networking technologies.
Download the case study to learn more about the solution.
Small Form Factor Networking Systems
Our field-proven, rugged switches and routers enable mobile networks on-board vehicle and aircraft platforms to securely and affordably deploy digital network architectures for situational awareness and network-centric operations. Designed to enable a holistic ecosystem where all technological components work together to enhance the warfighter experience, these rugged subsystems and card solutions give systems integrators capabilities for interconnecting cards, sensors, and processors simply through switched Ethernet links.
Defining today’s networking standards and protocols used by Ethernet switches and routers
Curtiss-Wright integrates and ruggedizes Cisco Ethernet switch and router technologies with special mechanical and electrical enhancements to enable Cisco IOS managed data, video, and voice services to be deployed in extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and humidity environments.