Many military electronics are often amongst the most sophisticated systems ever deployed. The unusual and rigid boundary conditions that range from a desert’s surface to outer space, create unique challenges in the design and thermal management of these systems. Such military electronics are deployed in communications, weapons, reconnaissance, targeting and evasion, payload delivery and discharge. Because of mission criticality and the rapid system response required, high power dissipation makes thermal management in military a critical issue for such systems.

Along with power and thermal challenges, engineers must factor in remote locations, rough handling and temperature extremes, in which systems must continue to function reliably. Many military systems also require small form factors, leaving less room for conventional heat dissipation systems. Additionally, the lifespan of defense electronics systems is expected to be significantly longer than in standard commercial applications.