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
FIA2026 animated banner
Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

Defence

Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

27 May 2026

IFS today announced that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), a Finnish shipbuilding company, has selected IFS Cloud to modernise its digital foundation and strengthen control across its complex shipbuilding programmes.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

Defence

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

26 May 2026

Thales has conducted live firings from the X-Fire launcher, developed in partnership with Soframe, which features a versatile architecture enabling it to engage deep-strike targets (150 km and beyond), using a wide range of munitions, whether sovereign or allied.

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

Defence

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

26 May 2026

BAE Systems is making a $135 million investment for facility enhancements in Austin, Texas and Hudson, New Hampshire, further strengthening the US defence industrial base.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BOREALIS goes live six months early

Defence Space

BOREALIS goes live six months early

26 May 2026

CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB