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
ODU RT

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
Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

Defence

Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

13 April 2026

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has led a major trial on behalf of the British Army, using AI-powered drone technology to identify landmines and explosive ordnance, which allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

Defence

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

13 April 2026

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has reached a key milestone in the Maritime Multi Link (MML) programme, achieving the Equipment Delivery Date for Phase 2c, a significant step forward in how Royal Navy ships share critical battlefield information.

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

Defence

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

13 April 2026

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group is marking a year since interim NAD (Deputy) Andy Start established it in March 2025 and who is now retiring after 37 years in defence.

NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

Defence Events

NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

13 April 2026

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's (BBMF) five Spitfires and two Hurricanes will remain airworthy until at least December 2035 through a new contract awarded by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

Defence

Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

13 April 2026

Babcock has agreed a two‑year extension of its Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), ensuring the continued delivery of vital fleet and infrastructure support for the Royal Navy’s surface ships, to sustain capability that remains critical to the UK’s operational readiness.

GKN Aerospace and AFRL launch TITAN-AM

Aerospace Defence

GKN Aerospace and AFRL launch TITAN-AM

13 April 2026

GKN Aerospace today announced the launch of TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialisation and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), an $8.4 million programme in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner