Choosing the right multifunction marine or land-based console

Last updated on: January 13, 2026

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2 min. reading time

Table of contents

Introduction
What are multifunction naval or land consoles used for?
What are the 7 criteria for choosing a multifunction marine or land-based console?
1. Application and integration environment
2. Hardware configuration and screen
3. Prequalifications and certifications
4. Ergonomics and design
5. Customisation and options
6. Services and maintenance
7. Weight, size and cost
Presentation of the CRYSTAL multifunction naval or land console

Choosing the right multifunction naval or land console - ECRIN Systems

Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to clarify the concepts of ‘multifunction naval console’ and ‘multifunction land console’.

These products are mainly intended for military, defence and security applications and are found on board surface vessels, frigates, patrol boats and submarines, or on land in shelters, control stations and command posts. Airborne consoles, meanwhile, are subject to specific environmental requirements.

What are multifunction naval or land consoles used for?

These multifunction consoles enable operators to view data from multiple sensors (sonar, radar, various equipment) in real time, analyse it, process the information for surveillance missions, control weapon systems and interact with the combat management system (CMS).

See our CRYSTAL range of multifunction naval and land-based consoles

What are the 7 criteria for choosing a multifunction marine or land-based console?

1. Application and integration environment

Where will the console be installed? On board on a workbench, on a stand, or on shore in a shelter?
What are the specific needs and operational requirements?

2. Hardware configuration and screen

Screen size and resolution, touchscreen capability and type of touchscreen.
Number of screens: 1, 2 or 3, and layout: stacked or side by side.

3. Prequalifications and certifications

MIL-STD-810/167-1, STANAG 4435/1008, or other necessary certifications.

4. Ergonomics and design

Was a subject matter expert involved in the design?
Modularity and scalability: is the system based on basic building blocks or ruggedised COTS?

5. Customisation and options

Colour, logo, input devices, front/rear panel, internal configuration, connectors.
Additional features: HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System), Ethernet switch, etc.

6. Services and maintenance

Supplier support: pre-sales, technical support, MCO.
Ease of maintenance: LRU, MTTR.

7. Weight, size and cost

Weight and dimensions for integration into the intended environment.
Total cost of ownership.

PLEASE NOTE

In order to optimise costs, some suppliers offer versions with much lighter cases and peripherals while retaining the same basic electronics.
Lighter variants, which can be used in less hostile environments, sometimes mobile, at lower costs, etc., are beginning to appear for applications such as drone control and piloting.
Requirements are often specific to the customer or project and are subject to MOTS or developments based on specifications.
A humorous but realistic note: an on-board console sometimes serves as a step stool... and must therefore be very sturdy to support a very heavy operator!