- Introduction
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RedHawk™ Linux, developed by Concurrent Real-Time, is a deterministic real-time Linux distribution optimized for time-critical workloads such as hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, data acquisition, control, and simulation. It includes low-latency kernel enhancements, CPU and IRQ shielding, and the NightStar toolset for non-intrusive tracing and debugging. RedHawk™ also supports KVM-RT, allowing the creation of real-time virtual machines with pinned CPU cores and built-in jitter monitoring, ensuring predictable and reliable performance in virtualized environments.
RedHawk™ Linux on ARM architecture, optimized for NVIDIA Jetson and AGX Orin, delivers embedded, power-efficient real-time performance for edge applications such as robotics, autonomous systems, and mobile defense platforms. By extending its proven deterministic capabilities to AGX Orin, RedHawk™ ensures ultra-low latency and GPU-accelerated responsiveness directly at the edge, enabling advanced AI inference, sensor fusion, and control loops in environments where precision and reliability are mission-critical.
By combining ARM CPU cores with a CUDA-capable GPU in a single system-on-chip (SoC), solutions like iHawk hardware with RedHawk™ Linux eliminate the need for multiple PCIe accelerator cards while still handling demanding real-time and GPU-intensive workloads. This tightly integrated architecture reduces size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements, delivering a compact, efficient, and deterministic computing platform ideally suited for rugged embedded systems and tactical edge deployments.
- iHawk x86 vs ARM64 Overview
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Dimension
iHawk x86
iHawk Jetson/ARM
Form factor
Rack/tower; 1–8 Intel x86 CPUs;
up to ~1 TB RAM (per historical brochure)
Embedded module/devkit (AGX Orin etc.)
Determinism features
RedHawk™ kernel + CPU/IRQ shielding; rich tuning docs
Same RedHawk™ RT features adapted to Jetson BSP
Real-time tools
NightStar trace/analysis (non-intrusive)
NightStar trace/analysis (non-intrusive)
Virtualization
KVM-RT for RT VMs and device pinning
Not typical on Jetson; possible but value is lower
I/O & timing
RCIM timing/interrupt, broad PCIe cards
Limited slots; focus on onboard I/O + carrier options
GPU
Discrete PCIe GPUs/FPGAs at high TDP
On-module CUDA GPU
Best-fit use cases
HIL rigs, avionics/auto test stands, large DAQ, multi-card timing, RF labs
Robotics, UGV/UAV edge analytics, compact controllers
- NVIDIA Orin AGX/NX with RedHawk™ Linux
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Built to withstand harsh military conditions while maintaining compact size and SWaP-C efficiency, 7STARLAKE's rugged NH-Hawk servers, powered by NVIDIA Orin AGX/NX on ARM architecture, deliver a high-performance platform for rapid decision-making and advanced situational awareness at the tactical edge. Optimized with RedHawk™ Linux, these servers provide deterministic microsecond-level responsiveness through low-latency kernel enhancements, CPU and IRQ shielding, and the NightStar toolset, ensuring reliable execution of mission-critical workloads. By combining ARM CPU cores with CUDA-capable GPUs in a single system-on-chip (SoC), 7STARLAKE's NH-Hawk servers support GPU-accelerated real-time analytics, AI inference, and sensor fusion, offering a compact, power-efficient, and fully rugged solution for embedded, edge, and defense applications.
AGX Orin
NX Orin
Applications
Anti-Drone System
UGV Controller
Model
NV300
NV200
Photo
Depth
300 mm
250 mm
MIL- STD 810 Vibration
Yes
Yes
MIL-STD 810 Shock
Yes
Yes
- Conclusion
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7STARLAKE’s rugged Orin AGX/NX servers, built on ARM architecture and powered by RedHawk™ Linux, represent the next generation of mission-critical computing at the tactical edge. By combining deterministic real-time performance, GPU acceleration, and SWaP-C efficiency, these systems enable defense forces, aerospace operators, and developers to execute complex workloads with precision, reliability, and speed. From radar and UAV control to electronic warfare and AI-driven analytics, NH-Hawk and similar platforms ensure rapid decision-making and enhanced situational awareness in the harshest operational environments. Looking forward, 7STARLAKE’s vision is to continue advancing compact, rugged, and intelligent computing solutions that empower mission-critical operations, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and battlefield effectiveness.
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