Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division PacStar has introduced a deployable solution for sensor fusion and edge data processing in Disconnected, Limited, Intermittent (DIL) environments.
The rugged Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-based PacStar Tactical Fusion System (TFS) is a modular, tactical and expeditionary processing and data distribution node for sensor-enabled platforms and dismounted warfighters.
Using next generation models of field proven PacStar 400-Series modules and sleds, PacStar TFS is ideal for deploying high-performance processing and sensor aggregation in a package rugged enough to fit tactical vehicles while small enough to meet airline carry-on size requirements (packaging options including Mini-Transit Case Systems, 4U, Rugged 4U+, and U.S. Army SAVE mounting options).
Based on Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs, this Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)-optimized system is designed for hosting advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven software, making it compatible with a wide variety of sensor fusion applications and able to support a vast array of Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) use cases.
PacStar TFS is designed for applications such as processing and analyzing video for target identification, tracking and handoff; integrating multiple sensor input from multiple end points, including from wireless sources; supporting situational awareness, command and control, and mission command applications; and distributing data, including geographic information and point-of-interest information to tactical squads.
“Sensor fusion is a true force multiplier at the tactical edge of the battlefield,” said Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division.
“PacStar TFS delivers a rugged small form factor Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solution for deploying the compute power and networking connectivity needed to fully leverage sensor data across the battlefield, from airborne platforms, ground vehicles and mounted and dismounted soldiers. Now, high-performance processing and sensor aggregation are available in a package rugged and small enough to be deployed in tactical vehicles.”
“With the introduction of our new PacStar TFS system, we once again showcase the advantages of our PacStar 400-Series modular architecture, extending our solution family to support the most compute and networking intensive sensor fusion applications,” said Peggy Miller, Senior General Manager, PacStar Business Unit, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division.
“Our commitment to open architectures delivers interoperability with the most popular tactical software and infrastructure products, as well as the most promising emerging technologies, to ensure future-proofing and upgradeability.”
The rugged PacStar TFS system is available with an array of vehicle-mount and warfighter carry options with MIL-STD certifications. The highly flexible MOSA-based system includes a family of more than 30 interoperable module types, including compute with GPU, storage, switching, routing, radios, crypto and more. In addition to providing a vendor agnostic platform for supporting industry standard devices and COTS and Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) software, the PacStar TFS can support any IP-enabled end user device including cameras, Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality headsets, and legacy video and radio sources.
