The PacStar Secure Mesh Command Post (SMCP) is a secure vehicle-to-vehicle tactical communications solution for expeditionary environments, and meets U.S. military demand for secure warfighter mobility.

For years, the goal of our armed forces has been mobility at the command post, with Army leaders setting the standard to be able to move hourly, with the command post’s network ready, powered up and receiving in five minutes.

New computer boards offer high performance, thermal management, and peripherals in a smaller size than 3U VPX, with artificial intelligence (AI) and GPGPU processing.

Industry experts say open standards are helping drive development in small-form-factor battlefield and aerospace hardware like system-on-chip and single-board computers.

Courtney Howard looks at how military and aerospace requirements demand greater strength, speed, and capabilities in smaller form factors.

Thanks to its longevity and modularity, the PC/104 standard continues to be popular with military system designers, especially, as their size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements continue to shrink.