Aitech, a global provider of AI-enabled rugged embedded computing and connectivity technologies for defense and space missions, has introduced the C165 Rugged 6U VME Single Board Computer (SBC). The new solution is designed to help defense and aerospace organizations upgrade mission-critical platforms while continuing to leverage established VME architectures already deployed across airborne, ground, and naval systems.
As military programs work to enhance computing performance, reinforce cybersecurity, and overcome component obsolescence, many still depend on VME-based systems that continue to meet operational requirements. However, replacing these established architectures can involve high cost, schedule delays, and engineering risks. The C165 offers a practical modernization path by delivering updated computing capabilities within existing platforms, helping extend system lifecycles and support faster technology upgrades without requiring a complete architectural transition.
Aitech is demonstrating the new C165 SBC alongside its range of mission-ready computing and connectivity technologies for modernizing air, space, and defense platforms at the Air & Space Forces Association Air, Space & Cyber Conference, taking place Sept. 14–16 in National Harbor, Maryland. The company is exhibiting at booth MB400.
“Defense customers need practical modernization solutions that improve mission capability while minimizing program risk,” said Alex Trigoub, product manager, Aitech. “The C165 delivers modern, power-optimized Intel processing, powerful integrated GPU, advanced cybersecurity, versatile I/O and high-capacity secure storage in a rugged 6U VME form factor, allowing customers to enhance performance, address obsolescence challenges and extend the operational life of deployed systems without re-architecting their platforms, while also minimizing upgrade and operational costs.”
– Alex Trigoub, product manager, Aitech
The C165 reflects Aitech’s commitment to helping customers modernize and sustain mission-critical systems through the combination of proven technology assets, mission-specific engineering expertise, and long-term lifecycle support. As a pin-compatible successor to Aitech’s C164 and C163 SBCs, the C165 provides an efficient upgrade path that helps customers manage technology obsolescence while preserving past investments in qualified hardware, software, and platform infrastructure.
Built on the SWaP-optimized 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1185GRE Tiger Lake UP3 processor with integrated Intel® Iris® Xe graphics, the C165 delivers significantly higher compute and graphics performance than previous-generation VME solutions. It enables system integrators to support increasingly demanding workloads, including mission computing, ISR processing, video analytics, and sensor-driven applications, while maintaining compatibility with existing VME deployments.
Beyond performance gains, the C165 addresses the growing cybersecurity and data management requirements of modern defense programs. The board supports up to 32GB of LPDDR4X memory and up to 4TB of secure NVMe storage while incorporating Aitech’s AiSecure™ cybersecurity framework, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, Intel Boot Guard, encrypted storage, and secure erase capabilities to help protect mission-critical data and system integrity.
Aitech Rugged Group, Inc. (“Aitech”) designs and provides mission-critical electronics that enable defense and space organizations to gain faster intelligence, enhance system reliability, and maintain a technological edge across a wide range of operational environments. As the world’s first independent supplier of open-systems COTS and MOTS embedded computing solutions, Aitech brings together proven computing technologies, specialized engineering expertise, and comprehensive lifecycle support to address demanding hardware requirements.
Aitech’s product portfolio includes SOSA-aligned single-board computers, AI-capable GPGPUs, rugged networking technologies, and integrated mission computing platforms. These solutions support defense modernization initiatives while helping organizations minimize program complexity and reduce deployment risks. For more than four decades, Aitech has supplied mission-proven technologies for applications spanning sea, land, air, and space. Its customer base includes Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Rafael, and Virgin Galactic.
