Crystal Group collaborates with BAE Systems on new Cross Domain Solution for commercial market

HIAWATHA, IOWA, Sept. 17, 2024 Crystal Group, Inc., a trusted designer and manufacturer of rugged high-performance edge compute solutions is collaborating with BAE Systems on an advanced rugged Cross Domain Solution for the tactical edge.

Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) enable secure connectivity between networks of different trust levels, keeping mission-critical data secure, especially when operating at the edge. This new solution, the XTS-Hercules, combines Crystal Group’s industry-leading ruggedization capabilities with BAE Systems’ trusted XTS Guard 7 accredited CDS.

The XTS-Hercules is an integrated, Raise the Bar (RTB) compliant solution comprised of a pair of accredited XTS® Diodes and XTS Guard 7 for a complete bi-directional transfer solution which also meets National Cross Domain Strategy & Management Office (NCDSMO) RTB requirements. Its One-Way Transfer Design Pattern (OWTDP-4C) allows data to be securely transferred for multi-directional CDS. This 2U unit is built from start-to-finish in Crystal Group’s vertically integrated facility utilizing the organization’s proven cost-reduction and SWaP-optimization techniques.

“Crystal Group’s work with BAE Systems for the XTS-Hercules allows each organization to capitalize on each other’s advantages to provide a reliable and advanced technology solution for our end users,” said Mike Ivester, program manager at Crystal Group. “Pairing Crystal Group’s scalable, custom engineering with BAE Systems’ storied technical prowess, it allows us to better serve our customers by meeting any requirement.”

The XTS-Hercules was designed to bring the computing power of a small data center to the tactical edge for applications that require ultra-secure data transmission and real-time situational awareness. This solution is ideal for edge environments that require rugged computing such as tactical air and ship-borne platforms, flyaway data centers, and terrestrial battlefields.

This rugged compute hardware enables customers at the highest security levels to collaborate between Department of Defense branches, the intelligence community and coalition partners. Crystal Group’s leading hardware ruggedization techniques paired with BAE Systems’ proprietary software development allows for a variety of transfer access and collaboration CDS capabilities to be deployed directly between high threat domains and networks of the highest classifications.

“The innovation between BAE Systems and Crystal Group has yielded a compact and ruggedized all-in-one CDS that enables our customers to implement an affordable RTB design pattern OWTDP-4C solution,” said Douglas Steil, general manager and senior director of Cybersecurity Products, at BAE Systems. “This new product utilizes a 2U and 19 1/12 deep rack mountable ruggedized server chassis that can be installed afloat, undersea, in the air or on the ground – while providing greater capabilities.”

About Crystal Group, Inc.

Crystal Group, Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance, rugged compute solutions for defense, government, and industrial markets. Founded in 1987, this small, employee-owned business specializes in the design, customization, build and testing of rugged servers, embedded computers, networking devices, displays, and data storage for high reliability in harsh environments.

Their integrated solutions meet or exceed IEEE, IEC, and military standards, including MIL-STD-810, 167-1, 461, and MIL-S-901, to bring seamless, real-time artificial intelligence, autonomy and cybersecurity to demanding edge applications. All products are manufactured in the company’s U.S. facility, certified to ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D standards and are backed by a five-plus-year warranty.

©2024 Crystal Group, Inc. All rights reserved. All marks are property of their respective owners. Design and specifications are subject to change.

About BAE Systems, Inc.

BAE Systems, Inc. and its nearly 41,000 people are part of a global defense, aerospace, and security company with approximately 100,000 employees worldwide. We deliver products and services for air, land, sea and space, as well as advanced electronics, intelligence, security, and IT solutions and support services. Our dedication shows in everything we design, produce and deliver— to protect those who protect us in a high-performance, innovative culture. We push the limits of possibility to provide a critical advantage to our customers where it counts.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ellie Gretter

Email: ellie.gretter@crystalrugged.com

Phone: 319.378.1636 ext. 298