Crystal Group & BAE Systems Collaborate on Rugged Tactical Cross Domain Solution

Crystal Group and BAE Systems have collaborated on an advanced rugged Cross Domain Solution designed to bring secure, high-performance computing to tactical edge environments.

The new solution, designated the XTS-Hercules, combines Crystal Group’s hardware ruggedization capabilities with BAE Systems’ accredited XTS Guard 7 software. Cross Domain Solutions enable secure connectivity between networks operating at different trust levels, ensuring mission-critical data remains protected during edge operations.

Built as an integrated 2U unit, the system meets National Cross Domain Strategy & Management Office Raise the Bar requirements. It features a pair of accredited XTS Diodes alongside XTS Guard 7 to provide a bi-directional transfer capability, while its One-Way Transfer Design Pattern allows data to be transferred securely for multi-directional deployment. The unit is manufactured from start to finish in Crystal Group’s vertically integrated facility, leveraging established cost-reduction and size, weight, and power optimization techniques.

Mike Ivester, Program Manager at Crystal Group, commented, “Crystal Group’s work with BAE Systems for the XTS-Hercules allows each organization to capitalize on each other’s advantages to provide a reliable and advanced technology solution for our end users. Pairing Crystal Group’s scalable, custom engineering with BAE Systems’ storied technical prowess, it allows us to better serve our customers by meeting any requirement.”

Engineered to deliver the computing capacity of a small data center directly to the tactical edge, the XTS-Hercules addresses applications requiring real-time situational awareness and ultra-secure data transmission. Ideal deployment environments include tactical air and ship-borne platforms, flyaway data centers, and terrestrial battlefields.

The ruggedized compute platform enables users at high security levels to collaborate across Department of Defense branches, the intelligence community, and coalition partners. By pairing hardware hardening with specialized software development, the solution allows flexible transfer access and collaboration tools to be deployed between high-threat domains and top-classification networks.

Douglas Steil, General Manager and Senior Director of Cybersecurity Products, at BAE Systems, added, “The innovation between BAE Systems and Crystal Group has yielded a compact and ruggedized all-in-one CDS that enables our customers to implement an affordable RTB design pattern OWTDP-4C solution. This new product utilizes a 2U and 19 1/12 deep rack mountable ruggedized server chassis that can be installed afloat, undersea, in the air or on the ground – while providing greater capabilities.”