A JDAR Type-1 encryption module that has provided security for classified and sensitive data on U.S. military platforms is now available for standalone military and government applications. The module, developed by Mercury Systems, first received National Security Agency (NSA) Type-1 encryption certification in 2022 and has been used for data-at-rest encryption and security in multiple U.S. military airborne systems. The module’s encryption capabilities prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to inactive classified mission data.
The compact module (see image above) is a good fit for manned and unmanned airborne and ground vehicles, measuring just 5.04 × 3.94 × 0.63 in. and weighing less than 1 lb. It consumes less than 7 W of power over a wide operating temperature range of –40 to +85°C, but enables operators to move sensitive data without risk or compromise in tactical mission strategies.
Mercury System’s senior vice president for mission systems, Roya Montakhab, points out, “Mercury’s JDAR Type-1 encryptor module introduces a new solution to the Department of Defense that is smaller, lighter, easier to integrate, and capable of operating in more extreme environments.” The rugged module has a rated mean time before failure (MTBF) of more than 30,000 hours and less than 12-second boot-up time, allowing JDAR encryption to be added to a wide range of systems.