Over 16 years ago, VarTech partnered with Unitronix, a systems integrator in the United Kingdom and Australia, to deliver a rugged monitor solution for a classified application within the Australian Navy’s Special Forces. These monitors, part of VarTech’s first generation of All-Weather products, were designed for open-air marine use in highly demanding scenarios.
Today, more than a decade and a half later, these same monitors are fully operational.
Failure is not an option in the special operations world. The gear carried by elite fighting units must be tough, high-performance, and it must stand up to harsh conditions year in, and year out. For VarTech Systems, reliability isn’t just a feature… it’s a legacy.
At the time of the original request, the Navy’s special operations teams were facing significant issues with their operator interface terminal systems:
The application involved continuous exposure to salt air, shock, vibration, and sunlight—conditions that quickly degraded commercial-grade hardware. Field failures had dire consequences for unit operational risk and generated logistical headaches that demanded unit replacements during missions.
VarTech’s engineering team worked closely with Unitronix and the end user to develop a rugged proof-of-concept (POC) unit specifically tailored to this naval environment. This was no off-the-shelf deployment—extensive marine field testing was conducted, simulating prolonged exposure in open-air installations.
The units passed extended sea trials and outperformed competitor systems. Once deployed, they immediately solved the EMI and visibility challenges while also proving their mechanical endurance in rough sea conditions.
For over 16 years, these All-Weather Gen 1 monitors have remained fully functional in hazardous marine environments under the control of one of the most elite naval forces in the world.
The original performance issues that plagued the application: sunlight washout, EMI leakage, and environmental wear—are no longer a concern. This case study stands as a clear example of how durability, smart engineering, and mission-first product design can yield value that extends well beyond the initial deployment.
VarTech was selected not just for technical capability, but for its responsiveness and proven track record. The ability to produce a working POC model, iterate through field feedback, and deliver a final product that met all military requirements made the difference.
More importantly, the monitors have operated continuously since deployment with no requirement for swap-out or downtime. This is a combination of quality-oriented construction and careful choice of materials along with marine-ready mechanical and electrical design.
At VarTech Systems, our Project Managers—with an average of 15+ years of industry experience—are ready to customize a computer, monitor, or HMI workstation solution to meet your needs. Drawing from extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, military, oil and gas, and marine applications, they provide expert guidance throughout your project journey.
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Based in Clemmons, North Carolina, VarTech Systems Inc. engineers and builds custom industrial and rugged computers, monitors, and HMIs.
