Edge-AI Portable Workstation for a Defense Software Integrator
Overview
Modern defense missions don't wait for the cloud. Operators at the edge need answers immediately, whether scanning radio signals, fusing sensor data, or transcribing comms in real time. Connectivity is often unreliable, bandwidth is limited, and data sovereignty rules make shipping information off-site impossible. The solution is edge AI computing: bringing AI inference and signal processing directly to the tactical edge so teams can act faster, stay secure, and maintain compliance under the toughest conditions.
That was the challenge a European defense and security software integrator brought to us. They needed a rugged portable workstation capable of running GPU-accelerated SIGINT workloads, voice detection, transcription, and multi-sensor fusion, all without bulky rackmount systems or the risk of exposing sensitive data over vulnerable networks. The system had to deliver a multi-pane ISR/C7ISR view on integrated displays, remain customizable for future growth, and be backed by a trusted partner with proven expertise in edge AI and mission-ready portables.
Challenge
The customer's requirements came down to four mission-critical needs:
- Data sovereignty: Run SIGINT workloads locally on GPUs to comply with strict data-handling and classification rules.
- Operator awareness: Provide real-time C7ISR views (maps, comms, logs, alerts) directly on integrated displays, eliminating the need for external monitors.
- Future scalability: Support capture cards, 100 GbE networking, and NVMe RAID storage today, with clear expansion paths for multi-GPU deployments as AI models and sensors evolve.
- Trusted expertise: Partner with a rugged computing specialist capable of tailoring hardware for specific I/O, power, and workflow requirements, with long-term sustainment in mind.
Solution
We recommended the ACME Portable MegaPAC L2, configured with the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Blackwell Max-Q (96 GB VRAM).
The MegaPAC L2 brings datacenter-class performance to a portable form factor. It features dual 24-inch integrated FHD/4K displays, up to seven PCIe slots, 150 TB of local storage, and redundant hot-swappable power supplies, all inside a rugged chassis built for field deployment. At its core, the RTX 6000 Blackwell Max-Q delivers the AI horsepower. With 96 GB of VRAM, optimized power efficiency, and multi-GPU scalability, it is purpose-built for AI inference, neural signal processing, and advanced ISR analytics. Together, this pairing created a secure, deployable workstation capable of real-time analysis, multi-pane visualization, and long-term adaptability.
The system shipped with a workflow-optimized image for radio and SIGINT operations, including wideband IQ ingest, GPU-accelerated search, and VAD/STT pipelines. The RTX 6000 Blackwell Max-Q was tuned to balance high-performance acceleration with practical deployment. It delivered the computational density required while staying compact, efficient, and quiet. To support disconnected operations, the MegaPAC L2 was configured with local NVMe RAID storage and high-throughput networking, allowing operators to ingest, replay, and analyze mission data while keeping everything securely on-device. Its modular design ensures the platform can evolve with future demands, whether through additional GPUs, capture cards, or advanced networking options.
The result was more than a workstation. It became a mission-tuned edge AI platform designed to deliver the speed, reliability, and flexibility required to give operators a decisive advantage in fast-moving environments.
Impact
Deploying the MegaPAC L2 transformed how operators worked in the field. Instead of waiting minutes for remote systems, they could now process mission data on-site and act in seconds. The integrated dual displays provided a crisp, consolidated ISR view, letting analysts monitor live communications, maps, and alerts all at once without relying on external gear. With 96 GB VRAM, PCIe expandability, and multi-GPU scalability, the workstation is ready for tomorrow’s larger AI models and sensor payloads. At the same time, local NVMe RAID storage and on-device processing kept sensitive data secure and compliant.
In practice, teams gained the speed, clarity, and confidence to make mission-critical decisions at the edge. The MegaPAC L2 was not just another workstation. It became a force multiplier that delivered immediate operational value and long-term adaptability.
Key gains included:
- Accelerated decisions: On-site AI inference enabled real-time responses.
- Enhanced ISR clarity: Dual integrated displays simplified situational awareness.
- Future-ready performance: Expandability ensured resilience against evolving AI models and sensors.
- Secure by design: Data sovereignty maintained through local-only processing.
Why Teams Choose Acme Portable
Defense and industrial leaders trust Acme Portable because we deliver:
- Proven leadership in rugged portables: Field-tested solutions for edge AI, ISR/SIGINT, C7ISR, and other mission-critical deployments.
- Custom engineering, not templates: Every system is built to match unique sensors, AI workloads, I/O, and storage requirements.
- Mission-ready ruggedization: Platforms validated for shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and MIL-STD compliance.
- High-touch support model: From pre-sales engineering to lifecycle sustainment, we provide fast, responsive, long-term support.
Tech at a Glance
- Platform: ACME Portable MegaPAC L2 with dual 24-inch integrated FHD/4K displays, up to 7 PCIe slots, 150 TB of local storage, and redundant hot-swappable power.
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 6000 Blackwell Max-Q (96 GB VRAM), with support for multi-GPU configurations.
- Options: Configurable FHD/4K displays, 100 GbE networking, removable or RAID storage tiers, and custom I/O modules.
* Due to NDA and confidentiality issues, we cannot mention company names or the specific projects.
Cage Code: 4AA27
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