Illustrative air military operation using a Durabook controllerIllustrative ground military operation using a Durabook controllerIllustrative maritime military operation using a Durabook controller

DURABOOK GROUND CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Rugged Ground Control Stations Built for the Mission.

Combining rugged computing with open architecture communications and configurable controls, Durabook ground control stations can be custom-built for your operation.

Explore the approach

CUSTOM GROUND CONTROL

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Key Benefits of Durabook Ground Control Solutions

Custom Control Systems

Durabook combines rugged tablet and laptop computing with physical controls tailored to the operator’s tasks.

Configurable joysticks, switches and assignable buttons support the application and connected equipment.

Field controller physically connected to an external radio with an unmanned aircraft beyond

Configurable Connectivity

Data links connect field operators, unmanned systems and command-center equipment.

Options include Wi-Fi, cellular networks, satellite backhaul through a separate terminal, and third-party RF modules. The connection arrangement reflects the application and deployment.

From Concept to Deployment
Controller, application and connected radio equipment prepared for deployment

Mission Solution Development

Durabook works with customers and integration providers to develop controller configurations around operator tasks.

Development brings together physical controls, hardware interfaces, application software and connected equipment.

GC-R8 in a cold coastal command setting with water exposure, bright sunlight and nearby radio equipment

Rugged-platform features for field operating conditions.

Specifications, certifications and hazardous-location suitability vary by model and configuration.

Built Rugged for the Field

Meeting MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-810H and IP66 standards, Durabook’s rugged platforms are built to withstand harsh conditions, from dust and rain to vibration.

The platforms are also certified to operate at temperatures ranging from sub-freezing -29°C (-20°F) to extreme heat of 63°C (145°F), making them safe to use in hazardous locations.

Durabook combines rugged tablet and laptop computing with physical controls tailored to the operator’s tasks.

Configurable joysticks, switches and assignable buttons support the application and connected equipment.

Data links connect field operators, unmanned systems and command-center equipment.

Options include Wi-Fi, cellular networks, satellite backhaul through a separate terminal, and third-party RF modules. The connection arrangement reflects the application and deployment.

Durabook works with customers and integration providers to develop controller configurations around operator tasks.

Development brings together physical controls, hardware interfaces, application software and connected equipment.

Meeting MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-810H and IP66 standards, Durabook’s rugged platforms are built to withstand harsh conditions, from dust and rain to vibration.

The platforms are also certified to operate at temperatures ranging from sub-freezing -29°C (-20°F) to extreme heat of 63°C (145°F), making them safe to use in hazardous locations.

CUSTOM CONTROLS AND INTERFACES

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Configurable Ground Control Stations

Click a component to explore
Front panel controls

Select a component to see its configuration.

Front Panel

Left and right controls can each be configured with a direction pad, castle-type joystick or stick-type joystick. Toggle switches are available in standard or locking designs, or can be left unfitted. Six push buttons support configurable functions, with optional guard covers for two of the buttons.

Click a component to explore
Rear panel controls

Select a thumbwheel to compare, or a push button to view its functions.

Rear Panel

Rear thumbwheels support fine-tuning functions, including trim or camera zoom. The rear panel also includes two push buttons with assignable functions.

LTE/5G Wi-Fi Wi-Fi LTE/5G LAN USB 2.0 DC-IN

I/O Interfaces

LAN and USB interfaces connect the controller to external equipment, while DC-IN provides an external power connection. Interface and cable requirements are defined by the connected devices and installation.

Rear expansion module

Rear Expansion

The rear cover features a removable design, allowing customization for various expansion modules with USB interfaces.

Left and right controls can each be configured with a direction pad, castle-type joystick or stick-type joystick. Toggle switches are available in standard or locking designs, or can be left unfitted. Six push buttons support configurable functions, with optional guard covers for two of the buttons.

Rear thumbwheels support fine-tuning functions, including trim or camera zoom. The rear panel also includes two push buttons with assignable functions.

LAN and USB interfaces connect the controller to external equipment, while DC-IN provides an external power connection. Interface and cable requirements are defined by the connected devices and installation.

The rear cover features a removable design, allowing customization for various expansion modules with USB interfaces.

DATA LINKS AND SYSTEM INTEGRATION

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Ground Control Connectivity

FIELD OPERATION + MOBILE COMMAND
Durabook field controller alongside a Z14I-HG command-center laptop and unmanned system in an illustrative deployment
── Physical interface┄ Wireless / network path

Wireless Communication

Flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and other wireless technologies, seamlessly connect field operators, devices, and command centers within a unified communications ecosystem. For operations beyond conventional network coverage, an optional satellite terminal can be integrated to provide reliable backhaul connectivity. Available communication features may vary by controller platform.

FIELD OPERATION + MOBILE COMMAND
Durabook field controller alongside a Z14I-HG command-center laptop and unmanned system in an illustrative deployment
── Physical interface┄ Wireless / network path

External RF Integration

A third-party RF radio provides a dedicated wireless link to the unmanned system. The controller connects to the proprietary radio, while command-center equipment connects through the configured network. The radio and connections are chosen for each deployment.

Flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and other wireless technologies, seamlessly connect field operators, devices, and command centers within a unified communications ecosystem. For operations beyond conventional network coverage, an optional satellite terminal can be integrated to provide reliable backhaul connectivity. Available communication features may vary by controller platform.

A third-party RF radio provides a dedicated wireless link to the unmanned system. The controller connects to the proprietary radio, while command-center equipment connects through the configured network. The radio and connections are chosen for each deployment.

OPERATING SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS

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Windows 11 and Linux for Ground Control Applications

Windows 11APPLICATION AT THE POINT OF CONTROL
Illustrative mission planning application
Mission Planning and Control

Windows 11

Windows 11 support brings professional applications, including WinTAK, to the controller for mission planning, monitoring and on-site data review. Broad peripheral support connects field equipment, while enterprise security and management tools support controlled deployments.

LinuxApplication-specific environmentAPPLICATION AT THE POINT OF CONTROL
Illustrative ground control application
Application-specific Ground Control

Linux

Build your ground control setup around a Linux environment. Linux support gives development teams flexibility to integrate open-source and custom application software, physical controls and connected systems.

Windows 11 support brings professional applications, including WinTAK, to the controller for mission planning, monitoring and on-site data review. Broad peripheral support connects field equipment, while enterprise security and management tools support controlled deployments.

Build your ground control setup around a Linux environment. Linux support gives development teams flexibility to integrate open-source and custom application software, physical controls and connected systems.

CONTROLLER PLATFORMS

Tablet and Laptop-Based
Ground Control Stations

GC-R8 with antennas
Tablet controller

GC-R8

A rugged tablet controller with configurable physical controls and equipment interfaces.

GC-R10
10-inch tablet controller

GC-R10

A rugged tablet controller for application-specific controls and system integration.

GC-R8S
8-inch tablet controller

GC-R8S

A lightweight controller for mobile field operations.

GC-Z14I
Laptop controller

GC-Z14I

In development

A laptop-based controller combining computing and integrated physical controls.

OPERATIONS IN THE FIELD

Ground Control Across Demanding Industries

Illustrative defense operation using a GC-R8

Field control for defense operations

01

Defense and Government

Ground control stations support field teams monitoring and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as unmanned ground and maritime systems.

Illustrative safety operation using a GC-Z14I

Control and visibility at the incident

02

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Unmanned systems support incident assessment, remote observation and search-and-rescue operations.

Illustrative utilities operation using a GC-R10

Inspection across distributed assets

03

Energy and Utilities

Unmanned inspection supports condition assessment of power lines, pipelines and substations.

Illustrative infrastructure operation using a GC-R8S

Visibility around essential infrastructure

04

Critical Infrastructure

Remote inspection and monitoring cover transport routes, communications facilities and ports.

Illustrative industrial operation using a GC-R8 rear layout

Assessment from a practical distance

05

Industrial Inspection

Unmanned systems support inspection of industrial plants, equipment and difficult-access areas.

Illustrative mapping operation using a GC-R8S

An operational view of the site

06

Construction

Drone ground control stations support progress monitoring across construction sites.

Illustrative mining operation using a GC-Z14I

Remote operations across extensive terrain

07

Mining and Natural Resources

Unmanned systems support site mapping, stockpile assessment and equipment inspection in remote resource operations.

Illustrative maritime operation using a GC-Z14I with throttle and joystick controls

Control across shore and water

08

Maritime Operations

Vessel- and shore-based controllers support unmanned systems used for maritime inspection, monitoring and observation.

Ground control stations support field teams monitoring and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as unmanned ground and maritime systems.

Unmanned systems support incident assessment, remote observation and search-and-rescue operations.

Unmanned inspection supports condition assessment of power lines, pipelines and substations.

Remote inspection and monitoring cover transport routes, communications facilities and ports.

Unmanned systems support inspection of industrial plants, equipment and difficult-access areas.

Drone ground control stations support progress monitoring across construction sites.

Unmanned systems support site mapping, stockpile assessment and equipment inspection in remote resource operations.

Vessel- and shore-based controllers support unmanned systems used for maritime inspection, monitoring and observation.

START WITH THE REQUIREMENT

What Does Your
Operation Require?

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Ground Control Solution

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Selected visuals on this page are AI-generated for illustrative purposes.