Calculex enhances its powerful RIPR Model 1401 flight recorder
November 13, 2025
Compact recorder delivers enterprise-grade security in smartphone form factor.
Calculex has enhanced its RIPR Model 1401 to meet customer requirements for stronger data protection and expanded mission data collection. The updates strengthen an already field-proven recorder with AES-256 FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, expanded 1TB storage capacity and additional commercial off-the-shelf interface options that enable secure failure-rate monitoring for commercial aircraft and broader defense applications across air, land and sea platforms.
The RIPR (Recorder, Integrated Processor and Router) Model 1401 has been integrated across more than 100 military test aircraft in U.S. and allied programs and can support a wide range of airborne platforms. The system’s compact, ruggedized design delivers full recorder capability in a package roughly the size of a smartphone and meets requirements for next-generation fighters, legacy aircraft, ground vehicles and naval platforms across U.S., allied and commercial programs.
“Our existing RIPR 1401 has been successfully integrated across a wide range of platforms, and these enhancements further expand its flexibility across both defense and commercial applications,” said Tony Bencomo, interim vice president and general manager at Calculex. “These updates reflect our continued partnership with customers who needed additional commercial off-the-shelf configuration options and new interface capabilities to enable broader mission and maintenance data collection, including failure-rate monitoring for commercial aircraft.”
Defense-grade encryption and expanded capacity
The AES-256 FIPS 140-2 certified encryption provides defense-grade protection for mission data while strengthening compliance with U.S. and allied data protection standards. The 1TB storage capacity enables operators to capture and retain larger volumes of flight, maintenance and mission information. Combined, these enhancements support both classified defense operations and commercial aircraft maintenance programs requiring secure failure-rate monitoring.
The enhanced system includes a commercial off-the-shelf I/O module with eight channels of RS422 or single-ended PCM connectivity, software-configurable as inputs or outputs up to 20Mbps per channel. Additional capabilities include eight channels of standard definition video and eight channels of MIL-STD-1553. The baseline controller provides two channels of 1Gbps Ethernet, PCM, Analog Audio and Discrete I/O.
Field-programmable architecture
The 1401’s modular, stackable architecture enables mission-specific configurations without platform redesign. This open-architecture approach extends platform longevity and reduces total ownership costs. Ethernet and serial interfaces support real-time system monitoring, routing adjustments and link-speed configuration during operations.
The recorder handles integrated sensor system recording and real-time mission data management for electro-optical/infrared systems, radar, electronic warfare and flight test instrumentation. Applications span training, mission debrief and command-and-control operations across defense and commercial platforms.
Qualification and compliance
Tested and qualified to MIL-STD-810, 461 and 704 specifications, the RIPR 1401 operates reliably across extreme temperatures, vibration, shock and corrosive conditions in air, land and sea environments. Full compliance with IRIG 106, the Department of Defense standard for digital flight data recording and playback, ensures interoperability across test and evaluation programs. Calculex contributed to the development of IRIG 106 and maintains active support within the test and evaluation community.
Proven performance and availability
Calculex, a division of Spectra Defense Technologies, has delivered mission-critical recording solutions to the U.S. military, allied forces and aerospace manufacturers for nearly 40 years. The company’s field-programmable recorders provide interoperability across platforms, rapid customization through modular design, mission assurance through rigorous testing and lifecycle value through extended platform longevity.
The enhanced RIPR Model 1401 is available for U.S., allied and commercial customers through Calculex and authorized distributors. Secure and program-specific configurations can be tailored to meet individual platform requirements.