COTS Journal, March 2025

March 2025, Volume 27 - Number 3 • cotsjournalonline.com

The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL

Enhancing the Army’s NG2 Program with ODU TACTICS // VITA 95 38999 Military Connector: A Game-Changer in Performance and Durability COTS vs. Custom: DoD Software Strategies in Action

The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing COTS (kots), n. 1. Commercial off-the-shelf.

Terminology popularized in 1994 within U.S. DoD by SECDEF Wm. Perry’s “Perry Memo” that changed military industry purchasing and design guidelines, making Mil-Specs acceptable only by waiver. COTS is generally defined for technology, goods and services as: a) using commercial business practices and specifications, b) not developed under government funding, c) offered for sale to the general market, d) still must meet the program ORD. 2. Commercial business practices include the accepted practice of customer-paid minor modification to standard COTS products to meet the customer’s unique requirements.

JOURNAL

—Ant. When applied to the procurement of electronics for he U.S. Military, COTS is a procurement philosophy and does not imply commercial, office environment or any other durability grade. E.g., rad-hard components designed and offered for sale to the general market are COTS if they were developed by the company and not under government funding.

SPECIAL FEATURE 14

Enhancing the Army’s NG2 Program with ODU TACTICS // VITA 95 38999 Military Connector: A Game-Changer in Performance and Durability

DEPARTMENTS 6

The Inside Track

John Reardon, Publisher, COTS Journal

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT 18

Defense Industry Outlook in 2025 – AI gets the job done, better together with Industry 5.0, drones go to sea as ships get smaller, and cybersecurity requirements ramp-up James “Hoss” Cartwright, VP Aerospace & Defense at IFS Jags Kandasamy, Co-founder & CEO Latent AI. Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow at GNSI, USF Tampa

COT’S PICKS 22

Editor’s Choice for March

Cover Image: Redesignation Revelry Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery Brigade participate in a ceremony redesignating Fort Liberty as Fort Bragg at the base in North Carolina, March 7, 2025.

COTS Journal | March 2025

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The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL SUBMISSION AND RELEASES johnr@rtc-media.com

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ADMINISTRATION/CIRCULATION Dawn Dunaway • dawnr@rtc-media.com

Tom Williams, Glenn ImObersteg Buck Biblehouse

ART AND PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ramos • drdesignservices@ymail.com DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Scott Blair • Scott@blair-media.com

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ACCOUNT MANAGER

SALES MANAGER Vaughn Orchard • Vaughno@rtc-media.com CUSTOM AND CONTRACT SERVICES John Reardon • Johnr@rtc-media.com

COTS Journal CORPORATE OFFICE RTC Media P.O. Box 790039, Virgin, UT 84779-0039 Phone: (949) 226-2023 johnr@rtc-media.com www.rtc-media.com PUBLISHED BY RTC MEDIA Copyright 2025, RTC Media. Printed in the United States. All rights reserved. All related graphics are trademarks of The RTC Group. All other brand and product names are the property of their holders.

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The

INSIDE TRACK

MARSS delivers NiDAR-powered protective dome for Naval Bases in the GCC MARSS, a global leader in AI-enhanced security and surveillance, has successfully reached the NiDAR-powered protection systems handover stage at two major naval bases in the Middle East, providing end-to-end defense against emerging threats.

These naval bases, among the largest in the region, now benefit from a fully integrated multi-domain security network centered around MARSS’ NiDAR platform. This system establishes a comprehensive protective “dome” over both sites, seamlessly covering air, surface, and underwater threats, ensuring unparalleled situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.

Addressing the Modern Threat Landscape Naval bases today face an increasingly sophisticated variety of threats, including unmanned aerial, surface, and subsurface vehicles, as well as human divers conducting reconnaissance, smuggling, or direct attacks. MARSS’ “NiDAR 4D” protects against these hostilities through real-time data fusion, empowering operators to detect, track, classify, and respond to potential threats faster than ever before.

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NiDAR 4D is MARSS’ next-generation AI-powered C2/C4 system, designed to provide comprehensive situational awareness and automated threat response across all domains.

Sensor and effector agnostic, the platform integrates data from today’s best-in-class as well as legacy sensors, including radar, sonar, EO/IR cameras, and RF detection, fusing all of this data onto a single screen.

Powered by AI-driven threat analysis, NiDAR 4D autonomously classifies and prioritizes risks, enabling operators to focus on the most immediate threats. Automated response recommendations suggest optimal countermeasures based on real-time intelligence. Combined, these systems dramatically shorten the detect-to-defeat chain while reducing operator workload, minimizing fatigue, and maximizing efficiency.

Rob Balloch, Chief Growth Officer at MARSS, commented, “With asymmetric threats evolving at an unprecedented pace, the need for intelligent, integrated defense systems has never been greater. MARSS is proud to deliver these capabilities to our customers across the

GCC, while these two projects will ensure that this critical naval infrastructure remains secure in the face of today and tomorrow’s challenges.”

World-Class Multi-Domain Defence Capabilities In delivering these projects, MARSS partnered with leading technology providers to integrate best-in-class sensors and countermeasures. The deployed system includes but is not limited to, Terma and Leonardo DRS RADA Technologies radar for wide-area surface and counter-UAS detection, BlueHalo RF detection, L3 EO/IR cameras, and Sonardyne sonar arrays for detecting and tracking underwater threats.

Meanwhile, Kirintec’s EW countermeasures will also be deployed to defeat automated systems.

Delivering Unmatched Scale and Value These projects, now under MARSS’ protective dome, represent a contract value exceeding $50 million. With both installations completed in Q1 2025, the bases are fully operational and equipped to defend against a wide spectrum of modern threats.

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NASA’s SPHEREx Observatory launches with BAE Systems-built spacecraft bus and telescope

BAE Systems is celebrating the successful launch of NASA’s Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) Observatory from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The observatory launched alongside NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

BAE Systems built the spacecraft bus and telescope for the mission, as well as led observatory integration and environmental testing. SPHEREx is also equipped with the Company’s RAD750® single-board computer, the core of the command and data handling subsystem that controls the spacecraft and transmits data.

Over the course of a minimum two-year mission, SPHEREx will conduct four all-sky spectral surveys, observing the distribution of more than 450 million unique galaxies and delivering a 3D map of the universe in 102 infrared colors. These surveys will provide an abundance of new data on key astronomical questions: How did cosmic inflation in the moments following the Big Bang shape the universe today; what can the glowing light of distant galaxies teach us about how they formed, and how abundant and important are life-sustaining ingredients like water,

carbon dioxide, and ammonia in planetformation?

“The launch of SPHEREx is a remarkable achievement,” said Bonnie Patterson, deputy vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. “This observatory will help us look back in time to answer significant questions about how the universe formed and the phenomena that continue to evolve it today.

We are proud to be part of the team that made this mission possible.”

In addition to its primary missions, SPHEREx will identify targets of interest for additional observations by the James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories.

BAE Systems assisted in launch operations and will continue to support spacecraft commissioning over the coming months.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) developed the primary imaging payload. Caltech’s Dr. Jamie Bock is the mission’s principal investigator.

SPHEREx continues BAE Systems’ extended Support of NASA’s astrophysics missions, including contributions to the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The Company is also working to develop technologies for NASA’s future Habitable Worlds Observatory.

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Approval in Principle (AiP) for the Basic Design of a Large AmmoniaFueled Ammonia Carrier Obtained from Classification Society

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has jointly developed a large ammonia carrier that uses ammonia as fuel in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Approval in Principle (AiP) (Note1) for the design has been obtained from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). The approval was given through ClassNK’s review of basic design drawings and risk assessment (Hazard Identification Study: HAZID(Note2)) conducted by ClassNK based on the ba-

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Namura Shipbuilding have been working to develop a basic design for a large ammonia carrier and have now obtained an AiP from ClassNK. The vessel is intended to have an engine that utilizes ammonia as the main fuel source, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the vessel itself. Furthermore, the ship is designed to be even larger than conventional Very Large Gas Carrier/Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLGC/VLAC), enhancing the efficiency of marine transport. This revolutionary ship design satisfies the port entry restrictions at major power plants in Japan. It ensures compatibility between ammonia loading/unloading terminals and cargo handling connections at a level almost equivalent to existing VLGCs.

Silynxcom Announces Two New Orders from Elite IDF Special Forces Unit for InEar Headset Systems Silynxcom Ltd. announced receiving two new purchase orders for advanced tactical communication systems from an elite special forces unit of the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”).

The orders are for the Company’s In-Ear Headset tactical communication systems and related accessories. These systems are specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of elite special operations units.

sic design. To respond quickly to future demands, the design has been completed in more detail than generally required for the AiP. Currently, ammonia is mainly used as a raw material for fertilizer, and its marine transportation volume is limited. However, in recent years, ammonia has gained attention as a clean energy source because it does not emit CO2 during combustion. Its demand is expected to grow as a promising option for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, particularly for fuel transition in power plants and as a hydrogen carrier.

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COTS Journal | March 2025

MHI Group is implementing strategic measures to strengthen its energy transition business.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding plays a key role in this effort. It aims to contribute to developing the maritime industry in Japan and overseas through maritime engineering technology based on shipbuilding and conventional shipbuilding. As a marine system integrator that provides shipbuilding technologies and environmentally friendly products in response to all customer needs, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to contribute to the further development of maritime logistics and the realization of a decarbonized world.

“These orders from one of Israel’s most elite special forces units further validate the effectiveness and reliability of our tactical communication solutions,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “We believe that our ongoing relationship with specialized IDF units demonstrates the trust placed in our systems to perform in the most demanding situations. We remain committed to providing cutting-edge communication technology that enhances operational capabilities for elite forces worldwide.”

These new orders follow Silynxcom’s announcement in January 2025 that its total accumulated orders from the IDF had surpassed $2.33 million since the beginning of the third quarter of 2024. We believe that elite IDF units’ continued procurement of Silynxcom’s systems reinforces the Company’s growing presence in the specialized tactical communications market.

The

INSIDE TRACK Lockheed is a no-bid on the Navy F/AXX Future fighter competition

Lockheed Martin, a dominant force in defense manufacturing, has been excluded from the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, the initiative to develop the Navy’s next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter. This decision narrows the competition to Boeing and Northrop Grumman.

The F/A-XX program aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, introducing advanced capabilities to maintain air superiority. The new aircraft will feature enhanced stealth, extended range, and seamless integration with crewed and uncrewed systems. The Navy plans to field this sixth-generation fighter in the 2030s, ensuring it can effectively counter evolving global threats.

Lockheed Martin had submitted a proposal for the F/A-XX program. However, sources indicate that their bid did not meet the Navy’s specified criteria, leading to their elimination from the competition.

The Navy’s decision underscores the rigorous standards and specific requirements for the F/A-XX program. By narrowing the field to Boeing and Northrop Grumman, the Navy emphasizes its commitment to selecting a design that aligns with its strategic vision for future aerial combat and operational integration.

This development also highlights the competitive nature of defense contracting, where even industry leaders like Lockheed Martin must continuously innovate and adapt to meet evolving military needs. As the F/A-XX program progresses, the focus will be on evaluating the remaining proposals to ensure the selected aircraft can effectively operate in complex threat environments and integrate seamlessly with the Navy’s broader defense systems.

The exclusion of Lockheed Martin from the F/A-XX competition signifies a pivotal moment in the defense industry. It reflects the Navy’s strategic priorities and the dynamic landscape of military aviation development.

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Curtiss-Wright Awarded $50 Million IDIQ Contract by Naval Air Systems Command for High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems.

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division announced it has been awarded an approximately $50 million firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by Naval Air Systems Command to provide its high-speed data acquisition systems hardware and associated repair services in Support of the Naval Air Systems Command Special Flight Test Instrumentation Pool. The contract, which is scheduled to run through January 2030, covers Curtiss-Wright’s full line of flight test instrumentation products, including data acquisition units, network switches, data recorders, network gateways, Ethernet radios, RF transmitters, C-Band transponders, and high-speed cameras supporting fixed-wing and rotary military aircraft. This contract will support numerous platforms, including the F-35, F-18, CH-53K, E-2D, EA-18, C-130, and future U.S. Navy development programs.

Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “This IDIQ contract, which is the renewal of an existing contract that has been in use for over 15 years, represents Naval Air Systems Command’s continued endorsement of the reliability and performance of our flight test instrumentation technology to support critical naval air deployments and future U.S. Navy development programs.”

Curtiss-Wright is one of the world’s leading aerospace data acquisition solutions providers for flight test instrumentation (FTI) applications. Whether on fast jets, space launchers, or hypersonic platforms, from data capture in the air to replay and analysis on the ground, Curtiss-Wright’s FTI solutions speed and simplify flight test instrumentation system design and installation.

General Dynamics Mission Systems announced that it was awarded a fixed-price-incentive, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-only contract from the U.S. Navy in Decem-

ber for up to $808.6 million to produce MK 54 MOD 1 Lightweight Torpedo Kits and related test equipment, spares, provisioned item orders, engineering support and hardware support for the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo Program. Work will be performed in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by December 2032.

“We are honored that our high-speed data acquisition technology and services have been selected by Naval Air Systems Command,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General

General Dynamics Mission Systems to provide advanced electronics in MK 54 Torpedoes for the U.S. Navy

“Our Progeny Systems employees have provided advanced torpedo electronics to the U.S. and allied Navies for 18 years. This contract ensures that our surface ships and aircraft will have the most modern and capable torpedoes in the world for many years,” said Laura Hooks, vice president and general manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) maneuver a Mark-54 torpedo to the flight deck. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy 10

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Progeny Systems was acquired by General Dynamics Mission Systems in 2022. Headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, Progeny Systems provides a wide spectrum of capabilities and lifecycle support services for U.S. submarines and surface ships.

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Collins Aerospace approved to begin Full Rate Production of MAPS Gen II system Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has received approval for Full-Rate Production of the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Generation II system (MAPS GEN II).

EDGE Closes Highly Successful IDEX 2025 with US$ 2.9 Billion in New Sales

across the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

SEDGE and Fincantieri Sign MoU to Pioneer Underwater Solutions through MAESTRAL Joint Venture • 16 major contracts were awarded, and 32 strategic international agreements signed • 46 advanced solutions across multiple domains launched, including post-quantum and AI-powered capabilities adapted to modern operational scenarios

IDEX 2025, the largest edition to date, enabled EDGE to showcase its diverse portfolio of 218 advanced solutions, the vast majority of which are made by the UAE, at its massive 9,000 sqm stand at the landmark defense and technology event.

EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense groups, has ended its participation at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 with an impressive new sales tally of US$ 2.9 Billion (AED 10.65 Billion) and the launch of 46 ground-breaking solutions and services

Among the sixteen contracts awarded were a major EUR 500 million deal announced

by MAESTRAL, a naval joint venture between EDGE and Fincantieri, for in-service Support (ISS) of the UAE’s naval fleet; a contract by the UAE Ministry of Defence to supply aerial munitions at a value of US$1.18 billion; and a US$61.8 million contract, also from the UAE Ministry of Defence, for the supply of advanced GPS PROTECT anti-jamming systems.

Following the fifth delivery order of the jam-and-spoof-resistant navigation solution, Collins will produce thousands of MAPS units for installation on combat ground vehicles, including military watercraft, of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

MAPS fuses sensor data, including satellite navigation information, with secured positioning, navigation, and timing data for crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles.

“Through close coordination with our customer, we’ve met the modernized fielding requirements for MAPS while reducing production costs,” said Sandy Brown, vice president and general manager for Resilient Navigation Solutions, Collins Aerospace. “MAPS GEN II is a critical part of the DOD’s modernization goals and will provide the warfighter with trusted access to Assured PNT when they need it most.”

MAPS GEN II comprises the Company’s NavHub™-100 navigation system and Multi-Sensor Antenna System (MSAS-100) and supports multiple mission sets, including combat, artillery fires, air and missile defense, ship-to-shore, and contested logistics. Collins offers additional scalable configurations of NavHub™-100 navigation system and Multi-Sensor Antenna System (MSAS-100).

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SNC and Palantir Technologies Join Forces to Innovate and Accelerate AIPowered Transformation

SNC announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies as part of Palantir’s AIPCon 2025. The joint partnership will accelerate the AI-powered transformation of SNC’s operations using Palantir’s Warp Speed OS. SNC is known globally for its transformative open architecture solutions and commitment to shared data rights that empower customers with best-of-breed technologies. By implementing streamlined operations, SNC can deliver its mission-critical solutions even faster.

SNC will leverage the Palantir Foundry Ontology to transform program execution through

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unprecedented, AI-enabled collaboration and coordination across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing. It will also use data about each build to inform better, more scalable design and manufacturing processes.

“SNC is excited to partner with Palantir to bring next-generation data intelligence to our operations,” said Jon Burgoyne, SNC’s chief operating officer. “This partnership is a natural progression of our strong commitment and investment in digital transformation over the past several years and will drive additional operational excellence and enhance the management of complex programs. Leveraging Warp Speed strengthens our ability to deliver critical mission-focused solutions to the aerospace and defense sectors at the speed today’s dynamic environment mandates.”

“America’s future relies on the strength of her Industrial Base - and the companies that are brave enough to build it,” said Shyam Sankar, CTO of Palantir Technologies. “We’re proud to welcome SNC to the latest Warp Speed cohort wielding asymmetric AI advantage to win.”

SNC and Palantir’s partnership as industry innovators combines Palantir’s cutting-edge data analytics and best-in-class AI capabilities with SNC’s aerospace and defense expertise.

This collaboration underscores SNC’s commitment to stay at the forefront of innovation and proven program execution to deliver on its important mission to safeguard freedom through transformative and open architecture solutions.

The

INSIDE TRACK Aitech and Intuidex Join Forces to Deliver AI-Accelerated Computing Solutions for Extreme Sea, Land, Air, and Space Missions

Aitech and Intuidex, Inc. announced a partnership to deliver ruggedized AI-enabled computing solutions for mission-critical Sea, Land, Air, and Space initiatives. Aitech embedded solutions utilizing the Intuidex Watchman Analytics™ platform will deliver AI processing infrastructure to achieve more comprehensive, near-real-time data analysis and intelligence extraction from varying data sources for applications ranging from environmental monitoring and urban planning to asset and object tracking.

“Working with Aitech, our high-level goal is to extend and streamline the use of AI across applications in ways previously thought unattainable,” said William M. Pottenger, Ph.D., founder

Anduril Selected to Provide AI-Powered Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Technology to Safeguard U.S. Marine Corps Installations Globally The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded Anduril a $642 million, 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Program of Record to deliver, install, and sustain Installation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (I-CsUAS). Anduril’s comprehensive I-CsUAS solution leverages the power of AI and advanced autonomy, equipping the U.S. Marine Corps with hardware and software capabilities required to address evolving aerial threats and protect installations worldwide over the next decade.

and CEO of Intuidex Inc. “This collaboration with Aitech underscores our commitment to scale the impact of AI.” Integrating seamlessly with Aitech’s mission-proven, rugged embedded computing solutions, Intuidex delivers effective analytic tools to discover and detect relevant content, utilizing Higher-Order Low-Resource Learning™ (HOLRL™) data modeling technology. Aitech embedded solutions featuring Watchman Analytics will empower real-time data processing and decision-making for a range of exploration, defense, and surveillance applications previously impossible.

“Coupling Intuidex advanced data analysis and intelligence with Aitech’s mission-proven, ruggedized, high-performance computing solutions, we are bringing to market AI-enabled solutions that reduce latency, improve response

times, and ensure continuity in extreme environments where communication is limited,” said Pratish Shah, general manager, Aitech. “Together, we are fundamentally transforming how data is collected, processed, and utilized for mission-critical initiatives.”

Managing and analyzing multi-source data effectively is an ongoing obstacle for organizations. Pairing the Intuidex Watchman platform with Aitech embedded computing and expertise, spanning a legacy of aerospace, space, and defense-proven experience, the collaboration will deliver deployable AI solutions for various rugged and extreme environment scenarios. Aitech is building computing solutions using Intuidex data modeling technology to support future anticipated missions and deployments.

tion and system upgrades, providing the U.S. Marine Corps with the most advanced capabilities to outpace evolving threats over the 10 year period of performance.

meet the growing demand for its defense solutions. Arsenal-1 will enable timely deployment of systems worldwide while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to future defense needs.

This award expands our partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, following a $200 million contract awarded in November to develop and deliver a CUAS Engagement System for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). Anduril has invested in Arsenal-1, a first-of-its-kind manufacturing facility that leverages software to manufacture autonomous systems at scale to

The scope of this program is a testament to the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to leveraging the latest advanced technology to protect its troops and strategic assets from the aerial threats defining modern conflicts. By leveraging autonomous capabilities, Anduril is turning an urgent requirement into an enduring, scalable solution.

This program validates Anduril’s CUAS advantage, enabling 24/7 autonomous operations powered by Lattice, Anduril’s advanced software platform. Lattice uses AI to autonomously detect, track, identify, and neutralize aerial threats, empowering human operators to rapidly make critical decisions with minimal manpower.

Through a software-first approach, Anduril’s integrated family of systems delivers comprehensive protection customized to the needs of each installation. Anduril’s solution integrates multiple sensors and effectors into an easy-to-use, shared command and control (C2) interface and uses an open architecture to enable rapid iteraCOTS Journal | March 2025

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Enhancing the Army’s NG2 Program with ODU TACTICS // VITA 95 38999 Military Connector:

A Game-Changer in Performance and Durability

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John Reardon, Publisher, COTS Journal

The U.S. Army’s NG2 (Next Generation Ground Vehicle) Program is a cornerstone of advancing battlefield technology, requiring cutting-edge components to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness. A critical aspect of achieving these objectives is the utilization of highperformance connectors that comply with the Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract requirements. The ODU 38999 military connector, with its open beam performance, emerges as an essential component in improving Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) characteristics, speed, durability, and overall system efficiency.

The Strategic Advantage of Open Beam Performance The open beam performance of the ODU 38999 military connector introduces a new level of efficiency and reliability crucial for mission-critical applications. Compared to common standards, Expanded Beam Performance technology offers superior

transmission quality while eliminating the drawbacks of high maintenance and extended system downtimes.

With its long-lasting durability, this technology significantly reduces the need for frequent part replacements due to worn-out contacts, which typically occur after just a few hundred mating cycles. This results in a lower total cost of ownership while maintaining exceptional signal integrity.

By leveraging this technology, the Army’s NG2 Program can benefit from: 1. Enhanced SWAP Characteristics • Size Optimization: The ODU 38999 military connector is designed to maximize space efficiency in military vehicle systems. By reducing the bulk of traditional connectors, more room is available for additional high-tech equipment without exceeding weight limitations.

• Weight Reduction: Military ground vehicles must be agile and lightweight without compromising performance.

The open beam performance reduces excess material requirements while maintaining structural integrity, leading to a reduction in overall system weight.

• Power Efficiency: Power distribution is crucial for battlefield electronics. The optimized connectivity ensures efficient power transmission with minimal loss, improving battery life and reducing energy consumption.

2. Increased Speed and Performance • High-Speed Data Transmission: Modern Army vehicles rely on rapid data communication for threat detection, navigation, and tactical operations. The ODU 38999’s open beam performance allows for high-speed data transfer, minimizing latency and ensuring realtime situational awareness.

• Improved Signal Integrity: The connector’s

The Expanded Beam Performance technology is an advanced fiber optic solution, offering high-end transmission characteristics over many mating cycles.

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AMP3311 Mission Computer from Mercury Computer Systems.

open beam design reduces interference and signal degradation, which is vital for clear, uninterrupted communication in high-noise battlefield environments.

• Reduced Maintenance Time: The robust design minimizes connection failures,

enabling quick plug-and-play deployment, which reduces the downtime needed for repairs and upgrades.

3. Unparalleled Durability in Harsh Environments • Resilience to Extreme Conditions:

Army vehicles operate in diverse and often unforgiving environments. The ODU 38999 is built to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and vibrations, ensuring consistent performance under battlefield conditions.

• Shock and Vibration Resistance: Ground vehicles encounter substantial shocks and vibrations from rugged terrains. The advanced design of this connector absorbs impact forces, preventing disconnection or damage during highintensity operations.

• Corrosion Protection: Military connectors must endure exposure to salt, chemicals, and humidity. The ODU 38999’s corrosionresistant materials provide long-term durability, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Compliance with MOSA/VITA (VICTORY) Standards: The Ideal Solution for Army Vehicles The ODU 38999 military connector is designed to meet internationally recognized standards, ensuring its compatibility with cutting-edge military electronic systems.

The benefits of adhering to VITA standards include: - Interoperability: VITA compliance ensures seamless integration with various military systems, reducing compatibility issues and promoting standardization across platforms.

- Reliability in Tactical Operations: The standardization guarantees consistent performance across multiple Army vehicle applications, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical operations.

- Future-Proof Technology: VITA-based

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connectors allow for easier upgrades, ensuring that NG2 Program vehicles remain technologically advanced and adaptable to future innovations.

The success of NG2 relies on strong partnerships between the Army, defense contractors, and technology providers such as ODU. Collaboration with industry leaders will drive research and development efforts, ensuring the integration of the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies.

Furthermore, open architecture designs will facilitate rapid upgrades and scalability, keeping pace with technological advancements and operational requirements.

A230 Vortex | GPGPU Fanless Supercomputer NVIDIA® Jetson™ AGX Orin Industrial System-on-Module from Aitech.

The NG2 Program aligns with the Army’s broader modernization strategy, reinforcing the need for adaptable and resilient ground forces capable of operating in complex combat environments. By prioritizing agility, protection, and firepower, NG2 will provide a decisive advantage on the battlefield, bolstering national security and ensuring mission success in future conflicts.

Vehicle Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) is a U.S. Army-led initiative launched in 2010 to enhance interoperability among C5ISR and electronic warfare (EW) systems on military vehicles. It replaces the inefficient “bolt-on” approach with a standardized framework that defines physical and logical interfaces between subsystems. VICTORY includes an architecture, technical specifications, and reference designs to ensure seamless communication. Central to this is the VICTORY Data bus (VDB), a service-based Ethernet network using SOAP-based opensource libraries, allowing shared access to data, signals, and peripherals.

ODU AMC® Series T Square Flange Receptacle

Conclusion As the Army advances its NG2 Program, the need for high-performance, durable, and efficient connectors becomes paramount.

The ODU TACTICS // VITA 95-38999 military connector, with its open beam performance, significantly enhances SWAP characteristics, speed, and durability, making it an indispensable asset in modern military vehicles. Additionally, its compliance with VITA standards ensures that it meets the rigorous demands of battlefield applications.

By integrating this connector into Army ground vehicle systems, the NG2 Program can achieve superior operational efficiency, enhanced situational awareness, and longterm technological sustainability.

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SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

COTS vs. Custom: DoD Software Strategies in Action

DoD Software Strategies in Action

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James “Hoss” Cartwright, VP Aerospace & Defense at IFS Jags Kandasamy, Co-founder & CEO Latent AI. Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow at GNSI, USF Tampa

The DoD’s software backbone powers everything from payroll to predator drones. But while commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions keep the lights on, the custom-built, COTS-enabled systems keep warfighters ahead of the enemy.

The Department of Defense (DoD) relies heavily on Software to support its vast and complex operations. This Software can be broadly categorized into two distinct types: Enterprise Software and Operational Software. While Enterprise Software ensures the smooth functioning of the Department’s administrative and logistical functions, Operational Software provides our warfighters with the critical tools and capabilities needed to maintain a tactical edge in various adversarial situations. This white paper outlines the strategic approach for procuring and utilizing these software systems, emphasizing the need for flexibility

and rapid adaptability in operational environments.

Categories of DoD Software Utilization Enterprise Software Enterprise Software encompasses the array of software systems that support the day-to-day administrative and management functions within the DoD. These systems are crucial for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department’s operations.

Examples include human resource management systems, financial management software, and supply chain management applications.

Operational Software On the other hand, Operational Software is designed to directly support a range of military operations (ROMO) and provide a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

This Software includes mission planning tools, communication systems, re-supply effectiveness, and various applications that enhance warfighters’ situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

Acquisition Strategies Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) for Enterprise Software The DoD should focus on procuring

Nighttime Maintenance Air Force Senior Airman Miguel Garcia troubleshoots an electrical panel during nighttime maintenance operations for Exercise Beverly Morning 25-2 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 4, 2025.

The exercise ensures airmen remain postured to respond to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

COTS Journal | March 2025

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Taking a Tour Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tours the USS Thomas Hudner during a visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Feb. 25, 2025.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products for Enterprise Software. These COTS products can be complete end-to-end solutions or components of a solution. These products are pre-built, widely available, and can be configured and/or integrated with other Software to meet the specific needs of different directorates and components within the DoD. The benefits of using COTS products include reduced development time, cost savings, and the ability to leverage existing, proven technologies.

The commercial industry has successfully configured and integrated software products that can be easily mimicked within the Department.

Custom Solutions for Operational Software using COTS Tools Operational Software requires a different approach. Given ROMO’s dynamic and often unpredictable nature, the Department must adopt a strategy that allows for rapidly developing and deploying custom software solutions. These solutions must be reliable and resilient to meet the diverse operating conditions. They must also be scalable and adaptable to the battlefield’s changing conditions and updated swiftly to address emerging threats and opportunities.

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COTS Journal | March 2025

Standardizing COTS Tools for Custom Software Development Imagine a toolkit where engineers can grab validated COTS components—think TensorFlow for AI or ROS for robotics—and spin up a mine-detecting SONAR model in days. That’s the power of standardized COTS architectures.

These tools should enable developers to update and deploy Software and adapt to operational timelines, not acquisition timelines. Both open-source and closedsource vendor software tools have proven their practical applicability in creating applications for various use cases in the commercial world. The DoD’s new game plan? Pre-built COTS architectures—think plug-and-play blueprints—for everything from AI to comms, letting engineers hit the ground running.

The reference architectures should provide optionality in validated tools for each function. The architectures should be published and reviewed periodically to identify new and innovative tools. These architectures should enable rapid test and evaluation of software components for immediate utilization. The Department should draft software deployment policies for both peacetime and wartime scenarios.

Case Study: Travel & Expense Management Every enterprise, whether large or small, utilizes travel and expense management tools to facilitate timely travel planning and reporting for its workforce.

A specific category of companies is dedicated to providing these tools for the commercial industry. These companies prioritize enhancing user experience and demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of their tools. In this case study, we explore the customization of an industry-standard tool to align with the Department’s travel policy.

By integrating this tool with financial and HR systems, the Department can create a userfriendly, state-of-the-art system continuously developed and maintained by industry leaders competing through innovation.

Case Study: AI Models in Operational Environments Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are a prime example of the need for rapid adaptability in Operational Software.

AI models deployed in the field must be regularly updated to reflect the latest intelligence and operational requirements.

Standardized AI development and deployment tools allow the DoD to quickly integrate updates from any vendor’s model, ensuring that warfighters can access the most current and practical capabilities.

Project AMMO, launched as a collaborative effort between DIU, NIWC-P, and NAVWAR, is a fielded proof of the COTS tools-led software acquisition process. The project team built a reference architecture and tool ecosystem with five vendors and provided that to contractors building SONAR-based models for mine detection. This process helped reduce the fielding time of this capability by 97%. It allowed the warfighters to update models while underway in a few days compared to 6+ months using the previous process.

Case Study: New Intel and Multi-Domain Awareness Ukraine continues offering many opportunities to test modern military strategies and tactics. When Russia rolled its armored columns into Ukraine in February 2022, the symbol ‘Z’ was painted on all Russian vehicles. This new intelligence can be leveraged for a tactical advantage.

Processing and distributing this intelligence to assets across various domains is crucial and time-critical. Warfighters must be able to ingest new data, build models, perform analytics, and create decision

matrices in operations. This capability is made possible only through a tools-driven software development approach, enabling our warfighters to rapidly update the Software to adapt to dynamic conditions. The ability to instantly identify enemy formations using ‘Z’ sign detection models on UAVs and from geo-spatial imagery provides the commanders with an additional vector to confirm targets and perform necessary operational adjustments.

Conclusion The Department of Defense must adopt a dual approach to software procurement and utilization, leveraging COTS products for Enterprise Software and focusing on custom, rapidly updatable solutions for Operational Software. By standardizing tools that enable quick updates and deployment, the DoD can ensure that its software systems provide the necessary support and tactical advantage to our warfighters, keeping them safe and effective in a rapidly changing battlefield environment. COTS isn’t just a buzzword— it’s your edge. Start with the tools in your kit and build something the warfighter can’t live without.

Recommendations 1. Adopt COTS Products for Enterprise Software: To reduce costs and improve efficiency, utilize readily available commercial solutions for administrative functions.

2. Use COTS Tools to build custom solutions for Operational Software: Focus on creating adaptable and quickly deployable Software to meet the dynamic needs of military operations.

3. Standardize COTS Development Tools: Implement a set of standardized tools that allow for the rapid development, deployment, and updating of Operational Software, including AI models.

4. Streamline Procurement Processes: Reform acquisition processes to support rapidly acquiring and deploying necessary software products and tools.

By following these recommendations, the Department of Defense can enhance its software utilization strategy, ensuring that Enterprise and Operational Software systems are optimized to support the mission and protect our warfighters.

Operational Software requires a different approach. Given ROMO’s dynamic and often unpredictable nature, the Department must adopt a strategy that allows for rapidly developing and deploying custom software solutions.

COTS Journal | March 2025

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March 2025

COT’S PICKS AMETEK PDS Unveils Rapid-Response Tactical Booster Amplifiers

Overcome battlefield communication delays with new fast-switching tactical booster amplifiers by AMETEK PDS, a leading supplier of components and systems for the aerospace and defense industry. The AR-FS-20 series of tactical booster amplifiers are designed to deliver fast switching communication capabilities with unmatched reliability and performance. Operating in the 225 to 450 MHz (AR-FS-20U) or 1250 to 2600 MHz (AR-FS-20LS) range, this new series of 20-watt amplifiers offer critical communication speed performance improvements for military and tactical operations supporting MANET and Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) systems.

“This new series of amplifiers represents a significant advancement in tactical communications for our business,” said Derek Lim, DVP and Business Manager at AMETEK PDS. “By combining fast switching speeds with a flexible, radio-agnostic design, we’re giving operators a tool that enhances the range of their tactical radios and ensures reliable performance in critical situations.”

Built with modern military requirements, the AR-FS-20 features fast transmit/receive

VPX SSD Solutions -SOSA-aligned SSD solutions in 3U and 6U VPX form factors Red Rock Technologies develops VPX mass storage modules using the latest NVMe and SATA SSDs for new generations of embedded systems based on the VITA standards: • VITA 46 VPX Baseline Standard • VITA 47 Construction, Safety, and Quality for Plug-In Modules Standard • VITA 48 Mechanical Specification for Microcomputers using Ruggedized Enhanced Design Implementation (REDI) • VITA 65 Open VPX System Standard Red Rock Technologies is developing new products aligned with SOSA™ Technical Standard.

We specialize in VPX products that require high-performance and high-capacity data storage and frequent removal from the VPX system. These products consist of two components: the VPX car22

(T/R) switching under two µs, ensuring seamless signal transmission with high-density packets.

The fully automatic autosensing amplifier supports multiple modulation types, including AM, FM, PM, PWM, narrowband, wideband, OFDM, CDMA / WCDMA, and frequency-hopping waveforms, making it ideal for modern tactical radios.

rier board that mounts to the VPX backplane that mounts in the VPX chassis and the removable SSD drive module.

A Desktop USB Carrier for removable NVME SSD Modules is available. This carrier allows the drive module to be used with a PC for data transfer and backups.

The drive module can be easily removed from the VPX system and taken to the PC. The carrier can also be used stand-alone for media duplication.

Red Rock Technologies redrocktech.com

COTS Journal | March 2025

Applications include vehicles, drop kits, and airborne deployments. With automatic harmonic suppression and a high-duty cycle of 90% at 25°C, the unit guarantees robust and continuous performance in demanding environments.

AMETEK PDS ametekpds.com

March 2025

COT’S PICKS

Elma’s Rugged JetSys-2010 Empowers Systems Designers with AI-at-the-Edge SFF Computing

The new system maximizes AI resilience to provide complete and local control over data.

Elma Electronic now offers the JetSys-2010, an industrial-grade rugged small form factor (SFF) platform for AI inference computing. The new platform gives system designers unprecedented abilities to develop high-performance computing systems for industrial applications by providing full data control with maximum resilience in edge computing applications.

At the heart of JetSys-2010 is the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX SoM with 16 GB and the NVIDIA JetPack software development kit (SDK). Developers can benefit from NVIDIA’s rich suite of AI tools and the SDK, a complete solution to accelerate end-to-end AI application development. The SDK also includes the Jetson Linux board support package (BSP), the Jetson AI Stack, and Jetson

Transient Voltage Suppressors offering MIL-STD Circuit Protection for Aircraft Applications

Platform Services to streamline AI application development.

Holger Heidenblut, Edge AI expert at Elma Electronic, noted, “The JetSys-2010 closes a major gap in the rugged computing market by offering a highly reliable and low-maintenance AI processing platform directly at the point of use. It enables our customers to retain full, local control over AI data without the need to go to the cloud, no matter the conditions on the ground.”

The JetSys-2010 stands out with its innovative passive cooling. It is designed for applications where environmental protection is critical, such as mining, robotics, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles. It is also well suited for industrial applications at the edge, such as robotics, automation, and networked mobility solutions.

Typical implementations include predictive

Inelco Hunter, distributor for ProTek Devices, has announced the availability of a new set of transient voltage suppressors (TVS) offering MIL-STD Grade circuit protection, primarily

maintenance, anomaly detection, and automatic quality control. To comply with requirements for use in railway implementations, the JetSys-2010 is designed to meet EN50155 and is ready for use in rugged transportation applications.

The JetSys-2010 ships standard with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB and LAN. A wide range of common interfaces is available, including RS232, RS485, CANbus, and user-defined I/O. Additional interfaces include maintenance ports, like a USB-Console or a DVI port, an optional extension, and IO-ready GSML camera interfaces.

The unit ships with either 1TB M.2 or M.2 2242 SSD storage and is powered by a railway-compliant power supply.

Elma elma.com

aimed at aircraft applications. The new PAL704P15K36 and PAL704-P15K36T devices provide circuit protection in 28V aircraft applications, such as the DC power supply. These TVS devices are well-suited for other applications, including environments where induced lightning on rural or remote transmission lines is hazardous to electronic circuitry.

These TVS meet MIL-STD-704 and MILSTD-19500 standards compliance, are RTCA DO-160G standards compliant and are 100% tested. The PAL704-P15K36 and PAL704P15K36T are 15kW silicon TVS devices, typically operating with a minimum source impedance of 0.25 Ohms. They have a peak pulse power rating of 15,000 watts for a 1 MS waveshape.

The PAL704-P15K36 is designed for high current short peak pulse transient applications, with an approximate weight of 30g. Meanwhile, the PAL704-P15K36T is designed for extended peak pulse transients over one millisecond and weighs approximately 48g. Both parts have a flammability rating of UL 94V-0, and the operating and storage temperature is -55°C to 150°C. Inelco Hunter nelcohunter.co.uk

COTS Journal | March 2025

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March 2025

COT’S PICKS VDURA Launches All-Flash NVMe V5000 to Power AI Factories and GPU Clouds with Unmatched Performance, Scale, and Reliability

VDURA announced the launch of its V5000 All-Flash Appliance, engineered to address the escalating demands as AI pipelines and generative AI models move into production. Built on the revolutionary VDURA V11 data platform, the system delivers GPU-saturating throughput while ensuring the durability and availability of data for 24x7x365 operating conditions, setting a new benchmark for AI infrastructure scalability and reliability.

Designed for AI at Scale: Performance, Density & Efficiency The VDURA Data Platform’s parallel file system (PFS) architecture is engineered for AI, eliminating bottlenecks caused by high-frequency checkpointing. VDURA’s Intelligent Client architecture ensures AI storage remains high-performance and reliable at scale, implementing lightweight client-side erasure coding without adding unnecessary CPU overhead—unlike alternative

VDURA V11 Software is now available on the new ‘F Node,’ a modular 1U platform with Intelligent Client-Side Error Coding. It delivers over 1.5PB per rack unit and offers seamless scalability and reliability.

Effortless Scalability for AI Workloads Unlike traditional AI storage solutions that require overprovisioning, VDURA enables AI service providers to expand dynamically, scaling from a few nodes to thousands with zero downtime. As GPU clusters grow, V5000 storage nodes can be seamlessly added—instantly increasing capacity and performance without disruption. By combining the V5000 All-Flash with the V5000 Hybrid, VDURA delivers a unified, high-performance data infrastructure supporting every stage of the AI pipeline—from high-speed model training to long-term data retention.

New CMOSS & SOSA Aligned Development Backplane from Pixus Pixus Technologies, a provider of embedded computing and enclosure solutions, has announced a new C5ISR Modular Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and SOSA development backplane that supports various I/O-intensive, compute-intensive switches, PNT, and VITA 62 PSU slots.

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COTS Journal | March 2025

solutions that impose heavy compute demands.

By combining client-side erasure coding, RDMA acceleration, and flash-optimization handling, the V5000 sustains AI workloads at any scale, delivering: • Seamless AI Storage Expansion – Scale effortlessly as GPU clusters grow, with no downtime or overprovisioning.

The 8-slot development backplane only has the utility plane routed (including power, ground, SMbus, clock, and utility signals). This allows a versatile range of plug-in card configurations to be utilized. Three slots have cutouts for VITA 67.3c interfaces, and one slot has a VITA 67.3d cutout.

The unit can be purchased in an open frame, rackmount/desktop, or other chassis format along with a Pixus SOSA aligned Tier 3 chassis manager

• AI Checkpoint Optimization – Eliminates write bottlenecks that slow AI training.

• Data Center Efficiency – 1.5PB+ per U, reducing power, cooling, and footprint costs.

• RDMA Acceleration – Architected for NVIDIA GPU Direct and RDMA, with optimizations rolling out later this year.

“The V5000 All-Flash Appliance, powered by our next-gen V11 Data Platform, delivers not only the peak performance enterprises expect—but while high performance is necessary, it is not enough,” said Ken Claffey, CEO of VDURA. “AI workloads demand sustained high performance and unwavering reliability.

That’s why we’ve engineered the V5000 not just to hit top speeds but to sustain them— even in the face of hardware failures—ensuring every terabyte of data fuels innovation, not inefficiencies or downtime.”

Radium Selects VDURA to Power Massive-Scale AI Training As AI models grew in complexity, Radium, an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, required a co-located storage solution that could scale dynamically with its expanding GPU infrastructure without increasing the data center footprint or energy consumption. After evaluating multiple AI storage solutions, Radium selected VDURA for its unique combination of performance, efficiency, and seamless scalability.

VDURA vdura.com

development kit, which cables to the backplane.

Pixus offers various OpenVPX backplane/ chassis systems in commercial, development, and MIL rugged formats. The company also provides IEEE and Eurocard components for the embedded computer market.

Pixus Technologies pixustechnologies.com

March 2025

COT’S PICKS Teledyne FLIR OEM Radiometric Thermal Boson+ and Hadron 640R+ Dual Thermal-Visible Camera Modules Now Availableh

OEM. “They are optimized for unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), security applications, handhelds, thermal sights, and emerging AI applications using Teledyne FLIR Prism™ embedded software.”

Radiometry Enables Pixel-Level Temperature Data from Compact, Highly Sensitive Uncooled Thermal Infrared Camera Modules

The eight new radiometric Boson+ models include 640 x 512 and 320 x 256 longwave infrared (LWIR) resolution options, multiple lens options, and shared mechanical and electrical interfaces with the existing non-radiometric Boson+. Automatic gain control (AGC) and direct data entry plus (DDE+) deliver dramatically enhanced scene contrast and sharpness, including lower video latency that enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support, day or night. For maximum integration flexibility, the Boson+ also features multiple video output interfaces, including USB, CMOS, and MIPI.

Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the availability of radiometric models of its high-performance Boson®+ thermal and Hadron™ 640R+ dual thermal-visible camera modules. Built for defense and industrial applications with size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimization, the NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free radiometric Boson+ and Hadron models provide real-time temperature measurement of every pixel within a scene.

“The radiometric Boson+ and Hadron 640R+ models, which already provide industry-leading thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK), or better, expand the mission set for infrared product developers and integrators,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR

In addition to an integrated radiometric 640x512 resolution Boson+, the new Hadron 640R+ is also equipped with a 64MP visible camera, featuring dual 60 Hz video output via USP or MIPI. At 56 grams and with an IP54 rating for dust and water protection in the elements, the dual-sensor payload offers longer flight time and extended bat-

New dSPACE Software for the Development and Testing of Dynamic Energy Systems: XSG Power Electronics Systems

ry simulation based on wide-bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). It also enables fault simulation in semiconductors and circuitry, making it possible to generate easily reproducible results and test thermal overload or arcing without risks. XSG PES

tery life for unmanned aerial applications.

All Boson+ and Hadron 640+ models are compatible with Teledyne FLIR OEM’s Prism AI detection, tracking, classification models, and Prism ISP libraries for super-resolution, turbulence mitigation, and contrast enhancement. With drivers available for market-leading processors from NVIDIA®, Qualcomm®, and more, plus industry-leading integration support from Teledyne FLIR OEM, they minimize development cost and time to market. Furthermore, Prism can be quickly evaluated with the Hadron 640R+ using the Prism Development Kit for Qualcomm RB5.

The Hadron 640R+ and Boson+ radiometric camera module products are dual-use and classified under the U.S. Department of Commerce as ECCN 6A003.b.4. They are available globally from Teledyne FLIR OEM and its authorized dealers.

Teledyne FLIR flir.com

is user-friendly: The XSG library, with its familiar look and feel, can be easily combined with other dSPACE tools. dSPACE dspace.com

To develop dynamic energy systems with rapid power electronics circuitry as used in the e-mobility, aviation, aerospace, and railway industries, control developers and test engineers require high-precision real-time simulations. With XSG Power Electronics Systems (XSG PES), dSPACE is one of the first suppliers worldwide to offer simulation software that supports the simulation of highly dynamic switching frequencies up to 500 kHz. The software for hardware-in-the-loop tests contains a library with ready-to-use models of power electronics circuitry so that users can create their power electronics simulations quickly and easily. “With XSG Power Electronics Systems, we support the development of the most advanced power converters, which are becoming ever smaller, faster, and more powerful,” explains Julian Saele, Product Manager E-Mobility at dSPACE. XSG PES supports highly dynamic circuitCOTS Journal | March 2025

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March 2025

COT’S PICKS Crystal Group advances rugged tech with next-gen integration Crystal Group, Inc. announced the integration of next-generation processing components into their servers and embedded computers portfolio.

Crystal Group proactively integrates the latest technology into their rugged solutions by working closely with industry-leading partners.

The team builds strong, collaborative relationships that foster innovation and ensure their solutions remain at the forefront of technology.

From early-stage development to final deployment, Crystal Group engages with partners to align on goals and share insights, allowing them to deliver high-performance, reliable products that meet the full range of demanding requirements of defense, government, and industrial customers.

Supermicro Brings Superior Performance and Efficiency to AI at the Edge New Servers Drive Smarter, Faster, and More Efficient AI from the Data Center to the Edge with Entire Range of Intel® Xeon® 6 Processors Supporting Over 40% More Memory Bandwidth and up to 144 CPU Cores Supermicro, Inc. is introducing many new systems fully optimized for edge and embedded workloads. Several of these new compact servers, based on the latest Intel Xeon 6 SoC processor family ( formerly codenamed Granite Rapids-D), empower businesses to optimize real-time AI inferencing and enable smarter applications across many key industries.

Systems for AI and embedded workloads “As the demand for Edge AI solutions grows, businesses need highly reliable, compact systems that can process data at the edge in real-time,” said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro.

“At Supermicro, we design and deploy the industry’s broadest range of application-optimized systems from the data center to the far edge. Our latest edge server generation delivers advanced AI capabilities for enhanced efficiency and decision-making close to where the data is generated. With up to 2.5 times core count increase at the edge and improved performance per watt and core, these new Supermicro compact systems are fully optimized for workloads such as Edge AI, telecom, networking, and CDN.” 26

COTS Journal | March 2025

“Our deep-rooted technical partnerships allow us to harness the latest innovations, ensuring our customers have access to cutting-edge performance and reliability where it matters most,” said Todd Prouty, Senior Business Development Manager at Crystal Group. “This integration underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional solutions that cover the full range of performance and power efficient servers to harsh environments.”

Crystal Group is harnessing next-generation technology to deliver faster memory speeds and enhanced performance, ensuring our rugged solutions can process data more quickly and efficiently for mission-critical applications.

• Increased memory performance with memory interface on Intel® Xeon® 6 processors through compatibility with higher bandwidth DDR5 or MRDIMMS Supermicro’s SYS-112D-36C-FN3P features the Intel Xeon 6 SoC with 36 P-cores, dual 100 GbE QSFP28 ports, up to 512GB of DDR5 memory, and one PCIe 5.0 FHFL slot for a GPU or other add-on card. Combined with Intel’s onboard Media Acceleration and QuickAssist technologies, this makes the system ideal for Edge AI and media workloads, and with a chassis only 399mm/15.7inches deep and with front I/O access, it can easily be deployed in space-constrained environments or embedded in larger systems. Another server based on the same platform, the SYS-112D-42C-FN8P, provides a more telco-optimized configuration, featuring 8 25GbE ports, built-in GNSS and time sync technology, and an Intel Xeon 6 SoC model featuring Intel vRAN Boost. Combining these features makes this model an all-in-one platform for various workloads in the RAN network.

• Up to 144 cores with Intel® Xeon® 6700 series with E-cores, eight cores to 86 P-cores with Xeon 6700P-series processors • Intel® Xeon® 6 accelerators to encrypt and compress, offloading and load balancing “The rugged computing industry is constantly evolving, and at Crystal Group, we thrive in this dynamic environment by staying agile, innovative, and relentlessly focused on delivering solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Cale Stephens, VP of Advanced Technology at Crystal Group. “Our exceptional team of engineers and our commitment to quality and reliability enable us to not only keep pace with industry advancements but often outpace them—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ruggedized technology.”

Crystal Group crystalrugged.com

Supermicro is also introducing two new compact systems, the SYS-E201-14AR and SYSE300-14AR, which are optimized for IoT and AI inferencing at the far edge. Both systems feature the 15th Gen Intel® CoreTM Ultra processors (codenamed Arrow Lake), which feature up to 24 cores and an onboard NPU (Neural Processing Unit) AI accelerator. Both systems have two 2.5 GbE network ports and connectors for HDMI, Display, and USB, and they are optimized for enterprise edge use cases. The SYS-E300 can also be expanded to feature a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, allowing for the installation of a PCIe GPU card, enabling the system to expand its performance for Edge AI applications in security & surveillance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Supermicro’s edge AI systems in the edge data center can now be installed with the recently launched Intel Xeon 6700/6500 series processor with P-cores. This processor group is designed for the enterprise data center, aiming for a strong balance between performance and efficiency and delivering an average of 1.4x better performance than the previous generation across a wide range of enterprise workloads. Supermicro’s 2U Edge AI product family, such as the SYS-212B-FLN2T, combines Intel’s new processor with up to 6 single-width GPU accelerators in a short-depth, front I/O form factor that can be deployed at the enterprise edge as well as in telco and space-constrained environments.

Supermicro supermicro.com

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ADVERTISERS

Company

Website

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........................................ www.annapmicro.com

Behlman Electronics ............................................. IFC/BC

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Military Systems Source ........................................

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OTEK ......................................................................

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PICO Electronics, Inc ............................................

7/IBC

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Pixus Technologies ................................................

IBC

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odu ..........................................................................

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