• A Perfect Balance of Technology and Reliability
• A Key Participant In the Military Marketplace
• Existing Projects In Our Defense Portfolio
• Meeting Expectations One Decade After Another

A.

Military Provider: DRS Technologies
Project: Ruggedized Keyboard 

Advanced Input Systems was asked to co-develop a tough, elastomeric, 88-key QWERTY keyboard for DRS’s RVS 330 Rugged Vehicle System. Specs required all components to be designed and integrated into a portable system, one that would operate in an environment typical of military field units impacted by elements including: harsh wind, sand, humidity, rain (and subsequent water ingress), vibration, electro-magnetic shock, sub-zero cold, intense heat and sun’s glare. In response to MIL spec and DRS requirements, Advanced Input Systems developed a QWERTY keyboard fully sealed to meet the environmental conditions specified. In addition to meeting these ruggedized requirements the design was developed with fully functional backlighting, low glare black matte finish, a fully sealed pointing device with right and left pick buttons, and a duty cycle for operation exceeding one million cycles. 

B.

Military Provider: L3 Communications
Project: Secure Telephone Equipment (STE) 

Advanced Input Systems partnered with long-standing government contractor Lockheed Martin in development of the latest generation secure phone systems. The STE system enables users to share classified information over secure telephone, fax and videoconferencing equipment via public telecommunications networks. The STE system uses a cryptographic module with algorithms for security, keys and personalized credentials to identify its user in the secure communication process. 

C.

Military Provider: Tacom
Project: Blackout Switch for Military Transportation Vehicles

Advanced Input Systems was asked to co-develop a tough, elastomeric, 88-key QWERTY keyboard for DRS’s RVS 330 Rugged Vehicle System. Specs required all components to be designed and integrated into a portable system, one that would operate in an environment typical of military field units impacted by elements including: harsh wind, sand, humidity, rain (and subsequent water ingress), vibration, electro-magnetic shock, sub-zero cold, intense heat and sun’s glare. In response to MIL spec and DRS requirements, Advanced Input Systems developed a QWERTY keyboard fully sealed to meet the environmental conditions specified. In addition to meeting these ruggedized requirements the design was developed with fully functional backlighting, low glare black matte finish, a fully sealed pointing device with right and left pick buttons, and a duty cycle for operation exceeding one million cycles. 

Our most recent production assignment for the military was a Master Vehicle Lighting Switch (MVLS). Advanced Input Systems design submitted to the Defense Supply Center in Columbus incorporated the following design revisions:

KeysAdvanced Input Systems removed the shorter life expectancy, mechanical hand switches from a 1957 design and replaced them with state-of-the-art individual elastomeric switches that have improved tactile feel, improved switch functionality, better legend clarity and a one million (plus) actuation life expectancy (way beyond the life expectancy of the vehicle it supports).
Cosmetics Within the same physical parameters, the new design significantly improved the look and feel of the unit—with the added benefit of improving operator safety by not having the mechanical switch handles open and exposed to the operator in emergency situations. In addition Night Vision (NVIS) compatible back lighting was added to the individual keys on the unit for improved visibility and operational readiness in all lighting situations.	Blackout Switch zoom image
Mil-Spec Compliant The new Blackout Switch meets the compliance guidelines for all standard military ruggedness requirements / environments, NVIS (Night Vision) compatibility, Mil-STD 202, 810 and 461D.