Across aviation, ground systems, and surface and subsurface maritime platforms, the demand for edge computing power relentlessly and exponentially moves in one direction: more data processed closer to the mission. Operators need new communications pathways, autonomy tools and AI-enabled mission applications, alongside faster software-driven upgrades at the tactical edge.
There’s a problem, though, as the hardware architectures inside many of those air, ground, and naval systems – the boxes, in other words – were designed for an era where it commonly took years for upgrades and capability integrations to reach the battlefield.
That reality is no longer acceptable. To leap ahead, Ultra I&C developed the Knox family of processors to meet evolving challenges. The company isn’t just making a case for more compute; rather, it’s a case for a different kind of computing architecture to keep pace with changing mission needs without forcing costly, complex and time-consuming upgrades every time a new mission capability is identified.
“We’re enabling the rapid tech insertion of new capabilities into legacy airframes that are often vendor locked. That lock is slowing down our ability as a nation to deliver capabilities at the speed of innovation,” said Ultra I&C Chief Technology Officer and Edge Compute General Manager, Randy Fields.
