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Expando VPX solutions
For over two decades, Expando has been a trusted provider of rugged embedded computing solutions for the defense and aerospace sector. Partnering with industry leaders such as Extreme Engineering (X-ES) and EIZO Rugged Solutions, we offer high-performance VPX-based boards and systems designed for mission-critical applications. Our solutions meet the most demanding MIL-GRADE requirements, ensuring reliability, scalability, and long-term availability in land, sea and air environments.
Why VPX?
The key advantages for defense applications
The VPX form factor has revolutionized defense electronics, offering superior performance, flexibility, and ruggedization compared to legacy standards like VME and cPCI.
VPX-based solutions provide unmatched reliability, high-speed processing, modular flexibility, and long-term support, making them the best choice for mission-critical military applications. Their ability to handle extreme conditions, advanced AI workloads, and real-time data processing ensures they will remain a key technology for defense and aerospace for years to come.
As Expando’s CEO, Otto Johnson, explains:
“We provide VPX-based solutions for military aircraft, helicopters, and other demanding applications where extreme ruggedness and durability are required. In these scenarios, there is no room for compromise when it comes to quality and reliability. While competing solutions exist, they do not offer the same level of robustness and performance required in military environments.”
1. High-performance & AI-ready processing
Our solutions support GPGPU computing, AI-driven military applications, and real-time edge computing. This making them ideal for C4ISR, C5ISR, and command and control systems. With NVIDIA-based GPGPU processing from EIZO Rugged Solutions, our rugged electronics enable advanced image processing, sensor fusion, and AI acceleration.
“NVIDIA manufactures AI chips that, while designed primarily for industrial applications, are fully suitable for military use when integrated into VPX-based solutions. One of our key partners, EIZO Rugged, collaborates closely with NVIDIA to develop VPX-based boards, reinforcing VPX as a natural and strategic choice for AI applications”, Otto further ellaborates.
2. Rugged VPX & MIL-STD certified
Expando’s rugged VPX systems are built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Designed for SWaP-C optimization, they meet stringent military standards, including MIL-STD 810, MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD 167.
“In highly constrained environments such as fighter jets, VPX is virtually the only viable option. Due to its high ruggedness, VPX-based solutions eliminate the need for external protection. This ensures that the system delivers both optimal functionality and long-term resilience. The standardized nature of VPX ensures that it meets stringent military demands and even surpasses them in many cases.”, Otto explains.
3. Open standards for future-proof scalability
Expando’s solutions adhere to open standards such as OpenVPX, SOSA™, CMOSS, and FACE, ensuring:
- Interoperability across different platforms and vendors
- Long-term availability for extended defense program lifecycles
- Simplified upgrades and technology insertion
- Reduced integration risk with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Modified COTS (MOTS) solutions
“VPX has been continuously developed since its inception to enable interoperability of components within an open standards framework, which has now evolved into the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA). Given its ongoing development and adaptability, there is no foreseeable replacement for VPX. Instead, VPX is being refined with advancements. By leveraging open standards, we help our customers reduce program costs, speed up development, and ensure long-term system viability,” says Otto Johnson.
Expando’s VPX-based solutions: Built for mission success
We offer a comprehensive range of VPX-based solutions tailored to meet the demands of military and aerospace applications. Our portfolio includes:
- Complete applications – Fully developed and tested VPX-based mission computers designed for deployment in mission-critical environments.
- Computer boards – High-performance VPX boards engineered for ruggedness, reliability, and integration into defense and aerospace systems.
- Custom-built solutions – Modular VPX-based architectures assembled according to specific customer requirements, ensuring optimal performance for unique applications.
Trust, Expertise & Simplicity
At Expando, we combine rugged technology, proven reliability, and deep industry expertise to deliver the best rugged computing solutions for defense and aerospace. Our commitment to COTS, MOTS, and custom solutions ensures that customers receive the right technology at the right time—without unnecessary complexity.
