Military Tablets & Handhelds

Requirements for military tablets & handhelds as well as notebooks are often very specific and comprehensive, as the devices are often used in extreme environments and still have to reliably deliver their performance and functions, even under the most difficult conditions. Im Folgenden sind verschiedene Anforderungen zusammengestellt, welche in diesem Kontext wichtig sein können – wie beispielsweise Robustheit und Sicherheit. Die Geräte des amerikanischen Herstellers DT-Research erfüllen die Anforderungen bewährtermaßen hervorragend. This is why the company has positioned itself as one of the main suppliers to the US Army in recent years.

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Requirements for military mobile devices and some use cases

The requirements for handhelds, notebooks and tablets in the context of military use usually go well beyond what is usually demanded of a “rugged mobile device” for outdoor use.

Our rugged products, which have been tested according to American military standards (MIL-STD-xxx), have to perform reliably in extreme environments and under the most difficult conditions. In the following, we explain the most important requirements for mobile computers in military use. The devices from the American manufacturer DT-Research not only meet these requirements perfectly – they have also been developed with this use in mind in terms of technical specifications and functions. The rugged tablets and laptops are therefore used in various areas of the US Army.

1. Robustness and Resilience:

  • Impact and drop resistance: The devices must pass tests according to the MIL-STD-810G standard, which, among other things, requires drop resistance of up to 1.20 meters onto a concrete surface during operation.
  • Vibration resistance: Devices must be vibration-resistant according to MIL-STD-810G in order to function reliably even when transported or used in vehicles and aircraft.
  • Dust and water resistance: The degree of protection IP65 is almost always required for this, sometimes even IP67 or IP68.
    • IP65: dustproof and protected against water jets (nozzle) from any angle
    • IP67: dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter
    • IP68: dustproof and waterproof for permanent submersion – even deeper than 1 meter
  • Temperature resistance: Military devices must be able to withstand extreme temperatures:
    • Operating temperature: Typically from -20°C to +60°C.
    • Storage temperature: Often from -40°C to +70°C.

2. Weight and Manageability:

  • Light weight: Despite the above-mentioned robust construction, the weight of a military notebook should remain below 3.5 kg, and that of a tablet below 2 kg, so that soldiers do not have to carry too much additional weight when deployed.

3. Security:

  • Encryption: Support for encryption standards such as 256-bit AES and other military encryption mechanisms.
  • Access control: via smart cards and/or biometric authentication (e.g. fingerprint sensors or facial recognition).
  • TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) for the secure management of cryptographic keys, digital signatures for the encryption of data and to ensure an uncompromised boot process (secure boot)
  • Data storage Removal: so that, if necessary, no sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it should be possible to remove the SSD.

4. Batteries and Energy Efficiency:

  • Fast charging capability: e.g. to reach 80% of the capacity within about 90 minutes.
  • Long battery life: at least 8-10 hours under operating conditions is often required, with up to 20 hours or more needed for certain missions.
  • Interchangeable batteries: provides further security in the device availability of mobile tablet PCs and laptops. DT-Research devices use the same battery design across all series. These can even be changed quickly during operation thanks to an integrated buffer battery.

5. Ergonomics and Usability:

  • Easy operation under field conditions: Displays with high brightness (800 cd/m2 or more) for visibility in sunlight, as well as special touch-enabled screens for operation with gloves and in the rain.
  • Night mode: Adjusting the display for low light emission in the dark with night vision imaging system compatibility. For example, the displays at DT Research can be dimmed down to 20cd/m2 for night use, and in a special version for night vision devices, they can even be dimmed down to 0.7cd/m2.

6. Communication Capability:

  • Reliable wireless connections: Devices must support the latest standards such as Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, 4G/5G, and optionally Satcom.
  • Compatibility with military communication systems: Integration into military communication systems such as SINCGARS, Link 16 or JTRS is often required.

7. Modularity and Expandability:

  • Replaceable components: Quick replacement of batteries, hard disks, and communication modules without special tools.
  • Connectivity: Diverse, encapsulated connections such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet and serial for various military peripherals.

8. Software Compatibility:

  • Compatibility with military software: Support for Windows 10/11 Pro or Linux and specialized military operating systems and software platforms.
  • Remote management: Devices must support remote maintenance and MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions.

9. Long-Term Availability and Support:

  • Long product lifecycles: Availability for at least 5 years, sometimes even 10 years, with corresponding software and hardware support.
  • Spare parts and maintenance: Availability of spare parts for the same period of time and the possibility of on-site repairs or repairs by military technicians.

These criteria reflect typical military requirements and provide a good orientation for what needs to be considered when selecting such devices. The specific requirements may vary depending on the area of application and the mission, but the standards and values mentioned here are common.

Application Scenarios

Military notebooks and tablets are used in various scenarios where their special features and robustness are particularly important. Here are 2-3 typical scenarios:

1. Reconnaissance in the Field:

  • Scenario: In a crisis region, an infantry platoon is sent into rough terrain to conduct reconnaissance. The soldiers use small, ruggedized tablets to receive real-time information from drones and other reconnaissance units. They access maps, mark positions and coordinate their movements via secure communication channels. The devices must be able to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, dust and vibrations from vehicles.
  • Requirements: Impact and drop resistance, temperature resistance, long battery life, wireless connections, encryption, access security, night vision.
  • Recommendation: DT361AM or DT361DM (6-inch with or without smart card reader)

2. Logistics and Supply Operations:

  • Scenario: A military convoy is transporting supplies through difficult terrain. Laptops and tablets are used to monitor the status of the supplies in real time, track the location of the convoy and immediately communicate any changes in route or schedule. The devices must function reliably, even when exposed to strong vibrations or sudden weather changes.
  • Requirements: vibration resistance, wireless connectivity, long battery life, dust and water resistant enclosures, and ease of use.
  • Recommended device: DT381RP (10 inch)

3. Humanitarian Relief Missions and Disaster Relief:

  • Scenario: During an international relief effort in the aftermath of an earthquake, the military uses rugged tablets to assess the situation in the affected region and coordinate the distribution of relief supplies. The devices must be networked in the field with other relief organizations to share information and efficiently distribute resources. They must be able to operate in extreme conditions such as rain, dirt and inadequate power supply.
  • Requirements: Waterproof, dust and dirt resistant, long battery life, rugged construction, wireless connectivity.
  • Recommendation: DT323RP tablet or LT320 notebook

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