At ISDEF 2017 Hewlett Packard presents water-proof maps and fast printers

In amongst body armours, weapons and detection systems, Hewlett-Packard (HP) stands tall presenting the latest technologies the company has developed to penetrate the defence market and make life easier for units in the field. “When entering the defence market, we sought to achieve four objectives: printing maps on a material that is resistent to the rough conditions soldiers are exposed to in the field; making sure that units can also print in the field; protecting the devices against cyber-threats; and, ensuring low cost, fast speed and high quality,'” Xavier Valls, EMEA Business Development Manager for Defence, told MONS.

The HP DesignJet Z5600 PostScript and the HP DeisgnJetT73 pinters can print on a material that is not only waterproof, but is also very difficult to rip or scratch and can be easily stored in any way (even like one would a tissue in a pocket) saving users from having to fold maps neatly to ensure their durability. The two printers can also be transported in peli-cases, developed especially for the transportation of the printers, and can be set-up in the field within less than five minutes. “Often times, Ministries of Defence print maps centrally and then send them to the field,’” continues Mr Valls. “However in certain circumstances, say when the mission or the tactic has changed, field units need to have a new map printed within a very short timeframe, therefore the ability to transport it safely in the field is key.”

Cyber attacks have also become a key concern for military operations. The two printers are therefore protected from cyber attacks by an ecrypted hard disk that can be removed with a key and stored in a safe place if necessary. “This way, all the data stored within the printer is safe and is not vulnerable to cyber attacks,” continues Mr Valls.

Finally, HP is also presenting at ISDEF its HP PageWide XL 5000 printer. Aimed for headquarters, this printer can print maps of up to 1000mm within a couple of seconds. “We have been focusing more on the defence market for the past year,” concludes Mr Valls. “We have already sold units to customers across the European Union, the Middle East and other parts of the world.”

Dr. Alix Valenti