Military-grade monitors must adhere to a strict set of requirements. It’s a no-brainer that they need to be rugged and durable to take the abuse they will inevitably endure, whether on the battlefield or the battleship. However, some factors matter more than others when a great many lives are on the line. Readability, portability and wide temperature range are three important features to look for in your next ruggedized display.

Marine AV-8B Harrier takes off just before sunset

Display readability is key for communication. You might think any display is easily readable, but just think of the difficulty you have trying to view your cell phone or tablet when the sun is shining directly on it. Imagine if you had that same problem in the field, unable to see critical information you need to assessed an evolving situation.

Our display engineers and Optical Bonding Laboratories business unit work together to create the best sunlight readable displays on the market. The easy-access OSD (On-screen Display) keypad allows for quick adjustment of the LED backlight brightness, thus ensuring that the display is readable, regardless of the ambient light.

The same sunlight readable LED rail can be configured to also enable the display to become compatible with night vision goggles (NVG). Additionally, we offer numerous antiglare films, privacy films, EMI protection and more as optional extras.

Humvee driving on dirt road

Portability is an extremely important asset for many military monitors. For mobile units, traveling from base to front lines and everywhere in-between, a monitor that is lightweight and rugged and reliable is invaluable. General Digital constructs our display enclosures primarily from aluminum, and reinforce with steel where necessary.

Whether mounted in a console or a transit case, shock and vibration is another factor that must be considered, as a constant battering by rogue waves or choppy Humvee rides can reduce internal electronics to a shambles in short order. A good military-grade monitor is rugged on the inside as well as the outside.

Coast Guard heavy icebreaker ship Polar Sea (WAGB 11)

All display systems create heat when operating, and have a limited internal temperature range at which they can function. If your monitor can’t handle the temperature extremes it will encounter, it suddenly transforms into an expensive paperweight.

Some advanced commercial-grade monitors have internal thermometers that alert the system to power down when reaching beyond their limited temperature extremes. That’s good, but military-grade LCD monitors need to continue operating at a far wider temperature range, whether in the desert under direct sunlight or aboard a Navy warship stationed in the arctic. Because of this, the monitor needs to be able to maintain an operating temperature range of at least 5°F to 130°F (-15°C to +55°C) and a storage temperature range from -67°F to 185°F (-55°C to +85°C) in accordance with military-issued standards.

There are, of course, other must-have attributes of military-grade monitors, but these are often overlooked when determining the requirements. To discuss your requirements for a rugged LCD monitor, we invite you to speak with a Sales Engineer. As always, there is no obligation on your part.