Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Toughbook 40 Tactical advances in-vehicle connectivity

Defence Security

Toughbook 40 Tactical advances in-vehicle connectivity

Bracknell based Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division has introduced the Toughbook 40 Tactical, advancing in-vehicle connectivity with command and control defence networks in wheeled and military tracked vehicles.

Image courtesy Panasonic Mobile Solutions

Based on the new Toughbook 40mk2 version, the T40 Tactical is the latest solution from the long-standing relationship between Panasonic and roda computer GmbH.

Military-grade connectivity and reliability guaranteed
The Toughbook 40 Tactical features a specialised industry module from roda computer, equipped with up to three round military-grade connectors, enabling users to choose from a range of interfaces and protocols, including CAN Bus, MIL-DP, MIL-VGA, DIGI-LAN and MIL-DVI and the popular MIL-DTL 38999 connector favoured by global defence forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT

An embedded port control protocol (PCP) ensures an enhanced and reliable data connection between the Toughbook 40 Tactical and military networks and devices. When compared with commercial devices that use USB ports, military-grade connections ensure fewer component failures, especially in challenging environments. The Toughbook 40 Tactical works seamlessly with all common military connector manufacturers, enabling connectors to be procured locally and comply with the approved procurement protocol of the respective country and vehicle platform.

A future-proofed design for defence
The Toughbook 40 Tactical maintains the same form, fit and function as previous – and future – iterations of the Toughbook 40, with all existing peripherals compatible with the T40 Tactical. This enables the defence sector to confidently deploy in-vehicle interfaces and mounting plates around the T40 Tactical.

Compared to a custom-built bespoke solution, the defence sector can take advantage of faster device availability and configuration, lower cost of procurement, and ease of servicing with the Toughbook 40 Tactical. Upgrades and predictive maintenance cycles can be planned before deployment, and aligned with the vehicle’s own servicing schedule over its 10+ year lifespan, helping to maximise device uptime, and minimise vehicle downtime.

Rugged performance
The Toughbook 40 Tactical features AI processing capabilities at the edge using the Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, featured on the Toughbook 40mk2, vastly increasing efficiency and accuracy users. It also features the Intel Arc GPU, enabling superior graphics performance.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

The Toughbook 40 Tactical is IP66 rated, with vibration compliance to 810H MIL-SPEC, ensuring that connections can withstand significant in-vehicle vibrations, regardless of the terrain. With militaries deployed year-round across the world, the T40 Tactical can operate comfortably in temperatures between -29°C and +63°C. Its modular design is enhanced through the availability of four additional expansion areas, providing maximum flexibility.

Luca Legnani, European Vertical Marketing Manager, at Panasonic Toughbook, said: “The defence sector wants to combine high levels of performance with cost-efficiency and reliability when choosing rugged computing solutions for a variety of different applications. Our market-ready Toughbook 40 Tactical allows NATO and European defence forces to always have access to best-of-breed hardware and software for intensive defence use, as well as providing a technological footprint for future vehicle design.”

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

Defence

Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

25 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide in-service support for the British Army’s fleet of 512 marine vessels.

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

Defence Events

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

25 March 2026

British engineering firm Rowden hosted a visit by British Army Sergeant Majors to explore how collaboration between engineers and soldiers helps shape and deliver operational technology.

BAE Systems to quadruple THAAD production

Defence

BAE Systems to quadruple THAAD production

25 March 2026

BAE Systems has signed a landmark seven-year framework agreement with the US Department of War (DoW) to quadruple production capacity and accelerate delivery of the infrared seeker for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missile in support of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

GA-ASI’s UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs recognised

Defence

GA-ASI’s UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs recognised

25 March 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) won two awards during Aviation Week’s 21st annual Program Excellence Awards last week, with its United Kingdom (UK) Protector Program given the Special Projects Award, whilst its Japan COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated) Program won in the category of OEM System Sustainment.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

Defence

UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

24 March 2026

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training programme, upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched today. 

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Defence Security

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

24 March 2026

Counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solutions provider, DroneShield, today announced interoperability between DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner