Aitech Launches C165 Rugged VME Computer
The 6U single-board computer uses an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 and is pin-compatible with Aitech's earlier C164 and C163 models.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Computers
Aitech introduced the C165, a rugged 6U VME single-board computer built on an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1185GRE processor with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. It supports up to 32 gigabytes of LPDDR4X-4267 memory and up to 4 terabytes of self-encrypting NVMe storage.
Why it matters
VME systems remain in service across military and aerospace applications, where replacing established computing architectures can require substantial redesign, requalification, and integration work. The C165 is designed to let operators upgrade computing performance in existing systems without a full architecture change.
The C165 offers up to 32 gigabytes of LPDDR4X-4267 memory with in-band ECC and up to 4 terabytes of self-encrypting NVMe storage. Aitech reports twice the CPU performance per watt and more than 2.5 times the graphics performance of previous-generation VME platforms, though availability and pricing were not disclosed.
The players
Aitech
Aitech is a Chatsworth, California-based maker of rugged computing hardware for defense and aerospace applications.
The details
The C165 includes a Trusted Platform Module 2.0, Secure Boot, Intel Boot Guard, encrypted storage, and secure-erase capabilities, grouped under Aitech's AiSecure cybersecurity framework. It supports PMC and XMC expansion sites and is available in air-cooled and conduction-cooled versions.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Aitech announces the C165 single-board computer.
The Tech Race
The C165 is a pin-compatible successor to Aitech's C164 and C163, extending that 6U VME line to newer Intel silicon without requiring a new chassis or backplane design. The move reflects a broader effort by rugged computing vendors to modernize installed VME bases rather than displace them entirely.
For engineers and program managers maintaining existing 6U VME deployments, the C165 offers a path to higher performance through pin-compatible replacement rather than a full system redesign. Buyers should confirm availability, pricing, and conduction-cooling requirements directly with Aitech before planning integration.
The takeaway
Organizations running legacy VME systems can consider pin-compatible upgrades to extend hardware life while gaining newer processor, graphics, and security capabilities. Evaluating compatibility with existing cooling and expansion configurations will help avoid integration surprises.
Further reading
Explore more Computers coverage on Wisevoter for context on the hardware industry.
More information
More details on the C165 are available on the Aitech company website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military & Aerospace Electronics.
