Curtiss-Wright: CNS4 Scalable Compact Network Storage

Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced that its Defense Solutions division has introduced an enhanced version of its rugged CNS4 Compact Network Storage subsystem that combines data recording, encryption and removable storage in a single chassis.

The conduction-cooled unit provides a high degree of I/O front-end flexibility, with support for GbE, 10GbE, Serial FPDP and other interfaces. This rugged, high-capacity data recording solution was designed for military applications that require high-speed data recording, cryptography and removable storage. It ensures the integrity of critical data in demanding military environments such as those endured by transports, helicopters, UAVs and mobile radar systems. With its high-density storage capacity, broad support for multiple network protocols and encryption capabilities, the CNS4 enables system designers to address all of their data recording requirements with a single solution, eliminating the need for separate, multiple data recorders.

“The IO flexibility of our CNS4 Compact Network Storage subsystem, coupled with its advanced encryption capabilities, enables this rugged data recorder to be fielded in deployed applications where the capture and security of the data is critical,” said Lynn Bamford, SVP and GM, defense solutions division, Curtiss-Wright. “Built to meet evolving storage, protocol and encryption requirements, this data recorder provides unparalleled flexibility to ensure that your mission critical data recorder keeps pace with your application’s expanding needs.“

Flexible I/O
To support modern avionics and sensor management systems, the CNS4 is designed to support various I/O interfaces. In addition to its four (4) built-in GbE ports, CNS4 provides a 3U VPX slot for additional I/O. It supportscompany’s recently introduced Universal Capture Card (UCC) XMC module that enables the system to record multiple channels of sFPDP, GbE and 10 GbE data. In addition, in combination with a VPX carrier card, the CNS4 can host a wide-range of I/O XMC cards such as 1553 and ARINC-429 for capturing legacy protocols.

Scalable storage
The modular CNS4 can be configured with up to four company’s Flash Storage Modules (FSM-C) in a fully rugged, conduction-cooled ATR chassis, with capacities of up to 8TB (2TB per FSM-C). Based on industry standard 2.5″ solid state drives, the FSM-C capacity will increase as the storage capacities SSD drives increase. The FSM-C features a 100,000 insertion cycle connector which is critical for mobile applications such as Mission Recorders, Unmanned Vehicle Data Loaders, Mobile ISR Systems and Ground Vehicles.

Data protection with type 1 encryption
In addition to its VPX I/O slot, the CNS4 chassis accommodates a 3U VPX inline media encryptor (IME) certified for Secret and Below Information (SABI) in attended systems. A Crypto Ignition Key (CIK) is mounted on the CNS4 front panel when this IME is used. Additional encryption options are available.