Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division today announced that its industry-leading VRD1 rugged video management system (VMS) has been enhanced with the addition of network attached storage (NAS) capability, significantly expanding its utility in demanding aerospace, defence, and law enforcement ISR applications.

Designed to speed and simplify the integration of high definition (HD) video management on airborne and ground platforms, the VRD1 uniquely delivers integrated format conversion, compression, scaling, switching, recording and network distribution of many video types in a single compact rugged unit.

Now also able to function as network attached storage (NAS) or as a network file server (NFS), the VRD1 spans both video-centric and network-centric systems. It enables Ethernet-based network clients to remotely access files stored on the VRD1, using standard networking protocols (such as NFS, CIFS, FTP or HTTP).

With its ability to now serve boot files to any network client, this innovative VMS significantly reduces size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) by eliminating the need for additional memory storage in each network client.

The VRD1 is ideal for use in demanding deployed applications, such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that require multiple displays and cameras, such as FLIR and Wescam turret-mounted camera systems, and deployed Ethernet-based systems whose network clients require access to NAS.

"The addition of NAS functionality to our popular VRD1 video management system further extends our leadership and commitment to providing the industry’s most innovative and high performance solutions for demanding video-centric and network-centric applications," said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defence Solutions division.

"Customers continue to seek more video functionality, yet seek to reduce SWaP. VRD1 meets these needs with a powerful networked VMS that combines multiple functions in a single unit and eliminates the need for individual storage devices across the platform."

The VRD1 can be combined with a wide range of Curtiss-Wright networking and video display products to create powerful deployed video management and data storage solutions. From rugged touchscreen LCD displays to miniature network switches, Curtiss-Wright offers the most comprehensive range of rugged system components for deployed applications.