Winchester Systems Launches COTS Rugged All Flash Array

Winchester Systems Inc. introduced rugged FlashDisk All Flash Array (AFA) RA-2U24 Series, using 2.5″ SSDs and SEDs (Self Encrypted Solid State Disks) which can be used simultaneously in any combination.

FlashDisk All Flash Array AF-2U24front and rear

The product is a flash-optimized, 14th generation product with a 20-year field-proven architecture and tight embedded kernel. The unit delivers 487,000 IO/s continuous performance for random access applications and 12.6 GB/sec. data throughput for C4ISR applications including video, mapping, radar and data acquisition. The COTS Rugged FlashDisk AFA offers another key advantage for military applications – data is stored in native format and does not compromise performance with compression or de-duplication and yet is competitively priced on a cost/GB basis. The company describes this approach as ‘Simply Faster.’

The SED drives in FlashDisk AFA enable security of data at rest and an often requested ability to perform a quick erase on command function. The rugged FlashDisk AFA supports AES-256 encryption and FIPS 140-2 validation. A detailed white paper, FlashDisk Self Encrypting Drives and Secure Erase, shows how these two critical easy to implement features work. Also, this hands-on video shows exactly How to Implement Self Encrypting Drives and Secure Erase on FlashDisk RAID Disk Arrays.

The FlashDisk AFA base unit holds up to (24) 2.5″ SSDs and SEDs in a single base unit with capacities ranging from 400GB to 3.84 TB each to provide 9.6TB to 92TB in the 2U enclosure. This is for mobile deployable applications. For higher capacity, each FlashDisk AFA offers up to two expansion shelves bringing total capacity to 276TB per system with 72 SSDs.

FlashDisk AFA supports SSDs and SEDs with a variety of endurance capabilities to optimize cost to I/O intensity. SSD endurance is measured in Drive Writes per Day or DWD. SSDs offered include units that start with 0.5 DWD for light read and write intensity and scale up to ten DWD for the most data intense applications.

This is the next generation rugged FlashDisk that the US Army and certain defense agencies of other countries have been using in the field for years. They are deployed in harsh environments worldwide in HUMVEE and other mobile command and control trailers as well as stationary shelters. The front door is crafted of sturdy milled aluminum that provides rigidity and structural integrity. It also houses a heavy-duty, washable dust filter to constrict particle flow and provide a moisture shield to protect internal components. The LCD front panel is easily viewed by field personnel, is EMI protected and uses long life pushbuttons. The door features a dust and raindrop seal. Optional, for additional rigidity, the unit is mounted to a chassis using five bolts secured, in a triangulated pattern for strength, to a rugged heavy-duty base plate. Prior generations of FlashDisk with both spinning disks and solid state disks have been used in airborne surveillance, reconnaissance simulation, mapping and mobile data center operations.

“Customers find that they need field deployable storage and servers that exceed standard commercial capabilities but not full military rugged specifications or prices,” explained Inese Lanka, senior director, federal sales.

“Our rugged storage and servers provide extra security and protection against dust, rain, shock and vibration at COTS prices which are about half of full military standard costs,” she added. “The FlashDisk AFA continues this strategy to deliver easy to use, cost effective COTS rugged storage and server products for C4ISR applications,” she emphasized.

The rugged FlashDisk AFA systems offer single or dual controllers and up to twenty ports including FC 8Gb, FC 16Gb, 1GbE and 10GbE.

Prices for rugged FlashDisk AFA start at under $40,000. Products are available and delivery is 2-3 weeks.