AT A GLANCE…Challenge

Incremental technology refreshes on the B-2 Adaptable Communications Suite provide the latest advances in commercially available electronics. Planners sought rugged server and display options to meet mission critical requirements for high reliability and dependability.

Solution

Crystal Group’s RS112 Rugged 1U Server, RS112PS18M Rugged 1U Carbon Fiber Server and RD119 Rugged Display provided the latest in rugged computer and display technology. Coupled with customer centered responsiveness the solution set resulted in enhanced communication and control capabilities with easier maintenance access to help keep the aircraft mission ready.

Benefits

• Improved SWaP provides less weight, less power consumption, and smaller form factor size.

• Rugged reliability and dependability

• Customized equipment for demanding mission profiles

• Ability to function in a variety of conditions and environments

• Accessibility to responsive customer support

• Reduced maintenance

B-2 Bomber Adaptable Communications Suite Upgraded with Crystal Group Rugged Servers and Displays

B-2 Spirit Stealth BomberThe U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is a multi-role heavy bomber capable of delivering conventional and nuclear firepower to any worldwide target by slipping past hostile radar undetected. Since its introduction in 1989, the B-2 and its support systems have undergone incremental technology refreshes to keep the aircraft up-to-date and mission ready with the latest advancements, including enhanced communication abilities.

Technology upgrades are necessary to improve the B-2’s effectiveness including its ability to receive encrypted mission information and to communicate worldwide during the mission.

Upgrading Mission Critical Systems

Mission-critical systems, like the B-2’s Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) typically require long-term compute availability with the highest degree of dependability in order to support the aircraft’s communications capability and combat effectiveness. Rugged

computing systems are designed to allow reliable operation in unforgiving environments, such as extreme temperatures, strong vibrations, and humid or dry settings.

Upgrading the aircraft’s ACS to address obsolescence started with the Air Force seeking technically advanced, rugged computer systems that reliably operate in a variety of aerial and ground environments with attention to compactness, lightweight construction and ease of access.

Crystal Group SolutionsCrystal Group worked closely with the Air Force to provide rugged compute capability while meeting project timing, security and performance mandates for onboard and ground station computer systems.

The RS112 Rugged 1U Server meets Military Standards 810, 167-1 and 901 with high-end computing performance.

Rugged Servers & Display

RS112, RS112PS18M, RD1119

As part of the ACS upgrade, Crystal Group supplied a variety of

products, including the RS112 1U rugged server, RS112PS18M

Rugged 1U Carbon Fiber Server and the RD1119 Rugged

Display. The equipment upgrade delivers technology that

ensures the B-2 fleet meets current and future communications

requirements, giving it the ability to operate in multiple mission

profiles around the world.

Equipment DetailsThe RS112 Rugged 1U Server is designed in accordance with

MIL Standards 810, 167-1 and MIL-S-901. With a lightweight

aluminum chassis and a 20” depth, the unit is optimally

designed for SWaP-sensitive applications. The carbon fiber

chassis based RS112PS18M Rugged 1U Carbon Fiber Server

offers additional weight savings and a reduced 18” depth.

Both rugged servers feature one expansion slot

and leading edge Intel® CPU options. The systems’ modularity

allows for easy reconfiguration and versatility. The units provide

less weight, less power consumption, and a smaller size that

conforms to flexible architecture configurations.

In addition to the rugged servers, Crystal Group supplied the

RD1119 Rugged Display for non-flight operational duty. The

RD1119 features a 19” display in EIA 1U drawer with SXGA

resolution. The LCD display offers 1000 nit light intensity, low

reflectance screen, high ambient contrast and full color. A special

cover glass screen provides high brightness backlight and low

reflectance to improve sunlight readability.

About Crystal GroupCrystal Group, Inc., an employee-owned small business located in

Hiawatha, Iowa, USA, designs and manufactures

deployment-ready, rugged servers, displays, networking devices,

embedded systems, and storage devices that fit mission

critical and industrial applications. Crystal Group’s rugged servers

and electronic devices are powerful solutions ready for future

expansion whether it’s for a more versatile software application,

harsh environment, or demanding performance standard.

The RD1119 Rugged Display is designed for airborne, shipboard, and land-based applications. The low specular reflectance and high brightness LCD displays yield excellent high ambient contrast.

Crystal Group’s RS112 Rugged 1U Server is available with two removable 3.5” drives or four removable 2.5” drive bays.

Crystal Group’s RS112PS18M Rugged 1U Carbon Fiber Server features ultra light weight carbon fiber construction with two removable 3.5” drives or four 2.5” drive bays.

DOC-00541 Rev B 2/20

Rugged Servers & Display

RS112, RS112PS18M, RD1119

A clear advantage.