Rugged slate computer for severe military applications
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

DRS Tactical Systems' V3 Universal Control Computer, or "UCC," is a rugged ultra-low power computer designed to operate in the most severe military environments. The V3 UCC is suitable to control functions such as weapons system, ground radar control tasking, missile fire systems, mortar fire control, ground radar, chemical agent detector and robotic systems such as mine detection.

The machine is based on very low power consumption technology, using a 300MHz Geode processor that can nonetheless run almost any Windows OS, including XP. The V3 has an 8.4-inch transflective LCD with adjustable backlight, measures 8.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 and weighs a not inconsiderable 11 pounds. That's because it's an extremely rugged machine able to take significant punishment (no hard drive, everything runs off Flash). It also has an internal power supply; no need for a brick. And with a touch screen and plenty of onboard connectivity, the UCC provides the ability to adapt to any control function needed by the war fighter. This is a typical example of a machine that, while technologically nowhere near commercial state-of-the-art, provides the design and functionality to perform and prevail in specific military applications.