Modern defence applications are increasingly reliant on high-performance computing capabilities. However, the integration of advanced processing technologies into these applications presents significant engineering challenges. Systems must deliver the required levels of computational performance while ensuring operational reliability and resilience under demanding environmental conditions, stringent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and physical space constraints.
To address these challenges, Steatite Systems has developed Ndura, a new family of ruggedised 19-inch rackmount computing systems. Incorporating the latest 6th Generation Intel Xeon processor technology, Ndura is engineered for demanding defence applications where conventional commercial servers may be unable to meet the required standards of environmental resilience, configuration flexibility and long-term operational support.
The first product in the Ndura family combines advanced processing performance with a compact, ruggedised 2U rackmount architecture. Featuring a space-efficient 550mm-deep chassis, the system addresses the challenges of deploying high-performance computing within a 19inch rack format, without compromising processing capability or system integration flexibility.
The system incorporates a choice of Intel Xeon 6 Series processors, providing advanced computational performance to support demanding, processing-intensive applications.It features 1TB DDR5 ECC memory and NVMe SSD storage, and a comprehensive and customisable range of connectivity interfaces, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, 10GbE RJ45 Ethernet, RS-232 and VGA. Expansion options include 2xPCIe x16 low profile, 3xPCIe x8 low profile or 2xPCI x16 full height, 1x PCIe x8 low profile. Dual redundant power supply is also available.
Designed around the application
A key differentiator of the Ndura platform extends beyond its processing performance to its inherent configuration flexibility and adaptability to specific system requirements. Customisable I/O configurations enable integration with specialist sensors, communications networks, storage solutions and other mission-critical equipment, allowing the computing architecture to be tailored to the application.
This capability is underpinned by Steatite Systems’ extensive experience in the design, manufacture and integration of industrial and military-grade computing solutions for demanding operational environments. Offering standard, configurable and fully bespoke computing platforms, together with complex integrated systems and comprehensive lifecycle support, Steatite provides customers with the engineering flexibility required to address specific programme requirements. Furthermore, it is designed and manufactured in the UK.
Environmental resilience is a fundamental element of the Ndura design, with the platform engineered to deliver reliable performance under demanding operational conditions. Designed to operate across a temperature range of -10°C to +50°C, with non-operating temperature tolerance from -40°C to +70°C, Ndura addresses the environmental challenges associated with defence deployments. The system has been developed to meet the shock and vibration requirements defined within MIL-STD-810 and DEF STAN 00-035, while its electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design objectives encompass MIL-STD-461 and DEF STAN 59-411.
Bridging the gap between performance and resilience, Ndura has been developed to address the increasing disparity between the rapid advancement of commercial processor technology and the demanding technical and operational requirements of defence applications. While conventional commercial servers can deliver the necessary computational performance, their suitability for deployment in challenging environments is often constrained by limitations in environmental resilience, configuration flexibility, system integration and long-term support.
Supported by Steatite Systems’ extensive expertise in specialist computing, complex systems integration and through-life support, Ndura provides a technically robust and adaptable platform for the deployment of advanced computing technologies in mission-critical environments. It represents a commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions that combine technological innovation with the reliability, flexibility and long-term support demanded by modern defence programmes.
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