Haivision, the global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, introduces the Kraken X1 Rugged, an addition to its ISR video processing arsenal. Designed to maximize operational efficiency in challenging environments, the Kraken X1 Rugged processes full-motion video (FMV), providing low-latency encoding, transcoding and AI-enhanced video and metadata to meet the demands of critical missions, says Haivision.
Engineered to meet video processing challenges in forward-deployed ISR missions, the Kraken X1 Rugged packs AI capabilities and low-latency video performance into a rugged, compact and fanless appliance. Engineered to meet MIL-STD ruggedization requirements in a small form factor device, Kraken X1 Rugged provides video processing for ISR missions in the most demanding environments – including UAVs, manned aircraft, vehicles, towers, ships and more.
Kraken X1 Rugged Brings NVIDIA Jetson Orin-Powered Edge AI to ISR Missions
Kraken X1 Rugged derives its high-density power from the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform with GPU acceleration. Along with the ability to encode/transcode up to four 1080p HD streams, Kraken X1 Rugged can enhance situational awareness with real-time AI processing at the edge, capable of running third-party AI models directly on sensor-equipped platforms that are deployed in the field, instead of transporting the sensor feeds for processing to cloud data centers far from the action. According to Haivision, by processing at the tactical edge, Kraken X1 Rugged can provide higher-quality intelligence delivered more reliably, more quickly and more securely.
“The Kraken X1 Rugged represents a significant evolution of our ISR platform, bringing ruggedized, real-time video processing to the most demanding environments,” says John Leipper, defense product manager, Haivision. “It delivers the trusted Kraken capabilities our users rely on, in a compact, durable form factor optimized for high-performance AI-ready processing at the edge – right next to sensors.”
Kraken X1 Rugged Features
Haivision’s Kraken solutions are trusted by ISR and mission-critical operations to turn constrained, unreliable networks into actionable intelligence pipelines for full motion video. Key capabilities of Kraken X1 Rugged include:
- Real-time video for ISR: Process real-time FMV with surgical precision to supercharge critical decisions. Handle up to four 1080p60 streams or one 4Kp60 stream with HEVC/H.265 or H.264 compression.
- Bandwidth optimization with KLV metadata: High-quality transcoding for downstream compatibility and transport even when network bandwidth is limited, along with synchronous/asynchronous KLV metadata, filtered as needed, to enhance geospatial context and unlock actionable intelligence.
- Enrich intelligence with AI at the edge: Run third-party AI algorithms on NVIDIA accelerated GPUs to reliably extract high-quality intelligence at the tactical edge and deliver as full motion video and KLV metadata for downstream dissemination.
- Ruggedized performance in a small form factor: MIL-STD environmental and power compliance for tough conditions, form factor suitable for deployment in environments with size and weight constraints, and support for 28V DC in a fanless appliance, deliver reliable results wherever ISR operations demand.
- Seamlessly connect ISR networks: Route encoded or transcoded video streams to multiple destinations and convert between transport protocols like MPEG-TS, SRT, RTMP, RTSP, and RTP.
- Battle-tested compatibility: Runs the same industry-leading Kraken software trusted by defense, public safety, and intelligence organizations worldwide.
The Kraken family of real-time ISR video encoding and transcoding solutions are central to Haivision’s product portfolio, driving mission-critical operations with precision and power. Haivision’s videowall systems for command centers, video distribution solutions, and ISR video technology help aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster.
The Kraken X1 Rugged will be showcased at SOF Week 2025 from May 6-8 in Tampa, Fla., and will be available in fall 2025.
