Why Is the U.S. Leading with the Latest VPX SBC Technology in Defense?

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the U.S. VPX SBC Market size is predicted to reach USD 159.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2025 to 2030.

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The United States continues to set the global benchmark in defense-grade embedded computing, and its newest advancement in VPX single-board computers (SBCs) further confirms this leadership. The introduction of Curtiss-Wright’s safety-certifiable 3U VPX SBC—featuring the 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor—marks a significant milestone in secure, mission-critical embedded computing for aerospace and defense systems.

What Makes This the First Safety-Certifiable VPX SBC with a 13th Gen Intel® Processor?

The Curtiss-Wright V3-1222 SBC is the industry’s first safety-certifiable 3U VPX SBC based on a 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-1376PRE processor. This makes it a game-changer for safety-critical aerospace and defense platforms.

The Curtiss-Wright V3-1222 VPX single-board computer is built around the Intel® Core™ i7-1376PRE processor, part of Intel’s 13th Generation Raptor Lake lineup. Leveraging Intel Hybrid Technology, it combines high-performance and efficiency cores to handle complex, real-time workloads efficiently. The board supports up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and includes M.2 NVMe SSD storage for high-speed data access. Designed specifically for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, it supports DO-254 Design Assurance Level A certification with the backing of Intel’s Airworthiness Evidence Package. The SBC also includes AC/AMC 20-152A DAL A-compliant artifacts, ensuring streamlined safety certification processes. For connectivity, it features high-speed interfaces such as PCIe Gen3, USB, and DisplayPort, enabling integration into a wide range of rugged, embedded systems.

Summary:

• The U.S. is pioneering safety-certifiable SBCs with modern Intel processors.
• The V3-1222 complies with the most rigorous airworthiness standards.

Key Takeaways:

• First SBC with Intel's 13th Gen processor certified for DO-254 DAL A.
• Offers high performance with safety and reliability assurance.

Why Is Safety Certification So Critical for U.S. Defense Systems?

In military and aerospace applications, functional safety is non-negotiable. Systems need to perform under extreme stress without failure.

What Is DO-254 DAL A?

• DO-254 stands for Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware.
• DAL A (Design Assurance Level A) is the highest level, where hardware failure could cause catastrophic consequences.

Curtiss-Wright’s solution offers pre-integrated design artifacts aligned with AC/AMC 20-152A, which ensures faster safety certification for customers.

Summary:

• Certification reduces risks in airworthy systems.
• This SBC enables faster compliance for aerospace integrators.

Key Takeaways:

• Complies with DAL A for airworthiness.
• Speeds up certification workflows with pre-qualified design support.

How Does the New VPX SBC Align with U.S. Military Digital Modernization?

The U.S. Department of Defense is prioritizing digital modernization and trusted computing, especially for next-gen platforms in air, land, and sea domains. The V3-1222 delivers exactly that by offering:

• Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) compliance.
• Trusted computing frameworks for cybersecurity.
• Enhanced AI and mission workloads with Intel's hybrid architecture.

With PCIe Gen4 support, DDR5 memory, and conduction or air cooling options, this VPX SBC offers flexibility for size, weight, and power-constrained environments.

Summary:

• The design supports MOSA standards.
• It meets U.S. military's goals for cyber-resilient embedded computing.

Key Takeaways:

• Fully aligned with U.S. defense modernization.
• Balances high performance with compact rugged form factor.

How Does Intel’s 13th Gen Architecture Boost Mission-Critical Performance?

The Intel® Core™ i7-1376PRE uses a hybrid architecture combining performance (P) and efficiency (E) cores. This is ideal for real-time workloads in mission-critical environments.

Performance Benefits:

• Improved parallel processing via P/E cores.
• Enhanced AI acceleration for situational awareness.
• Support for real-time hypervisors and deterministic computing.

These features are invaluable for unmanned systems, flight control computers, and electronic warfare platforms.

Summary:

• Hybrid core architecture enables efficient multitasking.
• Real-time computing meets operational demands.

Key Takeaways:

• Combines raw speed with power efficiency.
• Designed for AI-heavy, latency-sensitive operations.

What Design Advantages Set This U.S.-Made VPX SBC Apart?

This SBC is part of a growing trend in U.S. defense to use Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware tailored for safety certification.

Advantages:

• COTS Cost-Efficiency: Reduces development time and cost.
• Conduction-Cooled Option: Suitable for rugged deployments.
• Field-Ready: Ready for deployment in modular, plug-and-play systems.

With strong support for system integrators via design documentation, lifecycle management, and tech refresh options, this board significantly reduces development risk and time to deployment.

Summary:

• Designed for rapid field integration.
• Balances performance, safety, and SWaP-C.

Key Takeaways:

• Offers both air- and conduction-cooled options.
• Delivers speed-to-field for aerospace contractors.

Next Steps: What Should Integrators and Defense OEMs Do Now?

To stay ahead in mission-critical embedded systems, U.S. integrators and aerospace OEMs should:

1. Evaluate Safety Certification Needs: Prioritize platforms with pre-qualified DO-254 artifacts.
2. Adopt MOSA-Compliant Hardware: Ensure compatibility with evolving DoD standards.
3. Leverage Intel’s Hybrid Architecture: Use new processor features for AI and edge intelligence.
4. Engage with Proven Suppliers: Partner with vendors like Curtiss-Wright that offer certified design support.
5. Plan Lifecycle Sustainment: Invest in SBCs with long-term support for aerospace platforms.

Conclusion

With the V3-1222 SBC, the United States is not just keeping pace with defense technology—it is defining the standard. By integrating the latest Intel® processors into a safety-certifiable, rugged 3U VPX form factor, Curtiss-Wright is enabling faster, safer, and more efficient deployment of advanced computing into mission-critical platforms. As the U.S. continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, innovations like these ensure both security and readiness.