Crystal Group, a designer and manufacturer of rugged, high-performance computing solutions, has announced a partnership with BAE Systems to develop an advanced cross-domain solution (CDS) device for tactical military operations.
As stated in a release from Cyrstal Group, a CDS is a mechanism used to enable secure communication between networks with different security levels, ensuring mission-critical data remains protected. The newly developed “XTS-Hercules” CDS combines Crystal Group’s expertise in rugged hardware with BAE Systems’ accredited XTS Guard 7 CDS and software.
The XTS-Hercules features a secure, bi-directional data transfer system that complies with the National Cross Domain Strategy & Management Office’s Raise the Bar (RTB) requirements. The device includes two XTS Diodes and the XTS Guard 7, which together ensure data can be securely transferred between different network domains. Its One-Way Transfer Design Pattern (OWTDP-4C) further enhances the security of data flow in multi-directional transfers.
The 2U unit, which is a rack-mounted server, is designed and built in Crystal Group’s Hiawatha facility, utilizing techniques that reduce cost and optimize size, weight, and power.
The collaboration aims to support customers operating at the highest security levels, such as the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and coalition partners. The new CDS will ultimately allow for secure data sharing across high-risk networks and domains, as stated in the release.
“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, in the release. “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.”
Designed to deliver computing power similar to a small data center, the XTS-Hercules is built for environments where ultra-secure data transmission and real-time situational awareness are critical. The solution is particularly suited for environments like military air, sea, and ground deployments, as well as portable data centers.
“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, in the release. “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.”
