Curtiss-Wright Introduces New Rugged 8TB Storage System for Deployed "Big Data" Applications

AUVSI (Booth #653), ORLANDO, Fla. – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Defense Solutions division has introduced the new rugged CNS4 Compact Network Storage subsystem, a conduction-cooled, high-performance network file server (NFS) with scalable storage, flexible IO, and encryption options. This rugged, high-capacity storage solution was designed for size, weight and power (SWaP) constrained military applications that require cryptography to ensure the integrity of critical “data-at-rest” in demanding military environments such as those endured by transports, helicopters, UAVs and mobile radar systems. The CNS4, with its high-density storage capacity, broad support for multiple network protocols and expansion, and flexible encryption capabilities, enables system designers to address all their data, audio and video storage requirements with a single solution, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated data recorders. Able to support up to 8TB of Type 1 encrypted storage, CNS4 provides Ethernet connectivity for maximum network-agility. It also supports a wide variety of industry standard protocols, including CIFS, NFS, HTTP, FTP, and PXE, making it ideal for sharing critical data in network centric architectures. The modular CNS4 supports a variety of encryption levels and can be configured with up to four (4) Curtiss-Wright Flash Storage Modules (FSM-C) in a fully rugged, conduction-cooled ATR chassis, doubling the storage capacity available with the original CNS. The CNS4 features 100,000 insertion cycle connectors which are critical for mobile applications such as Mission Recorders, Unmanned Vehicle Data Loader, Mobile ISR Systems and Ground Vehicles.

“Curtiss-Wright is proud to support our warfighters by offering the industry’s leading rugged storage solution for mobile applications that require NSA Type 1 encrypted data-at-rest,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division. “Built to meet evolving storage, protocol and encryption requirements, this data recorder provides ‘future-proofing’ to ensure that your data recorder keeps pace with your application’s expanding needs.”

Scalable Storage Up To 8TB

The CNS4 can support 4 FSM-C memory modules, each with a current capacity of 2TB, for a total storage capacity of 8TB. With NAND Flash density doubling every 18 to 24 months, a 16TB capacity for the CNS4 is expected to be available in 2016. The FSM-C modules plug into the CNS4 backplane and are located behind an easy-to-open access door. They are easily removed from the CNS4 chassis with tool-less wedge-locks. With 100,000 insertion cycle connectors, FSM-C can be used in mobile applications for many years.

Flexible I/O

To support modern avionics and sensor management systems, the CNS4 is designed with 1GbE or 10GbE Ethernet connectivity. In addition to its four (4) built-in 1GbE ports, CNS4 also provides a 3U VPX slot for additional I/O. For example, using a VPX carrier card, the CNS4 can host a 10GbE XMC I/O card to provide connection to any 10GbE network to support very high-speed file server applications.

The CNS4 also supports a Universal Capture Card that enables the system to record Serial FPDP data as well as act like a networked attached storage (NAS) device.

Data Protection with Type 1 Encryption

In addition to its VPX I/O slot, the CNS4 chassis also 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. By the end of 2014, the IME is expected to support Pre-Placed Keys (PPK) and 4 SATA lanes. Via a DS101 key-fill port, the PPKs can be loaded so the IME can be left in place.

Additional Information

Please contact the factory for additional information and availability. Click here for more information on the CNS4.

Sales inquiries: Please forward all Sales and reader service inquiries to Kavita Williams, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, Tel: (661) 705-1142; Fax: (661) 705-1206; email: [email protected].

For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com.

About Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.