Aitech Introduced Rugged C165 Single Board Computer
The new 6U VME board delivers upgraded processing power and enhanced security for aerospace and defense applications.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Computers
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Aitech has launched the C165, a rugged 6U VME single board computer designed to provide modern computing capabilities to existing defense infrastructure. The device allows for significant hardware upgrades without requiring a costly and complex platform redesign.
Why it matters
Defense and aerospace programs often struggle to balance the need for increased performance with the high risk and expense of system-wide changes. This board provides a modernized solution that integrates into existing architectures while delivering updated security features.
The C165 features an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185GRE processor, 32GB of LPDDR4X-4267 memory, and up to 4TB of secure NVMe SSD storage. It includes integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and supports TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and Intel Boot Guard.
The players
Aitech
Aitech is a technology company specializing in rugged board and system-level solutions for the defense, aerospace, and space industries.
Astute Group
The Astute Group is an electronics supply chain partner providing technical support and component distribution for the C165 in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The details
Engineered for harsh environments, the unit is available in both air-cooled and conduction-cooled variants to support diverse mission requirements. By maintaining pin-compatibility with the older C164 and C163 models, the hardware ensures a seamless transition for legacy VME systems.
Timeline
Aitech announced the C165 single board computer in October 2026.
The Tech Race
This release highlights the ongoing industry effort to sustain long-term legacy defense programs through incremental modular upgrades rather than complete system replacements. By prioritizing pin-compatibility within the 6U VME form factor, Aitech avoids the obsolescence of aging defense infrastructure.
Defense and aerospace engineers gain access to significantly higher performance capabilities and modern security protocols without undergoing the logistical hurdles of a full platform redesign. This allows for faster deployment of advanced mission-critical software in existing rugged hardware environments.
The takeaway
The C165 demonstrates that legacy infrastructure can remain relevant by adopting modern Intel processor standards and high-capacity storage. Designers should prioritize modular compatibility to extend the operational life of hardware while minimizing implementation risks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in high-performance hardware by visiting our Computers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CIE.
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