Durabook Introduces GC-R8: A Versatile Rugged Ground Control Station for UAV Operations
- APC Technology Group
- New Products
- 22 Sept 2025
The newly-launched GC-R8 represents Durabook’s first in-house ground control station solution offering unrivalled durability and flexibility based on the powerful 8-inch R8 rugged tablet.
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, recently announced the launch of its fully rugged GC-R8 Ground Control Station (GCS) for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. With flexibility and durability at its core, Durabook developed the GC-R8 to showcase the R8’s suitability for unmanned systems and mission control, while also meeting customers’ growing demand for rugged tablet-based designs.
As Durabook’s first in-house ground control station, the GC-R8 delivers unrivalled durability and flexibility built on the powerful 8-inch R8 rugged tablet. Alongside this launch, Durabook is actively collaborating with partners to develop additional GCS solutions based on the R8—each offering different layouts, integrations and functionalities, but all unified by the same rugged tablet at their core.
“Durabook devices are designed to meet the demanding needs of workers who rely on flexible rugged technology that can improve productivity in even the harshest environments .... The GC-R8 launch underpins our commitment to providing our customers across various sectors with the cutting-edge tech they need to stay connected and in control. With its powerful computing performance and versatility, the GC-R8 is perfect for professionals demanding reliability, precision and flexibility for various drone applications.”
Fred Kao | CEO of Durabook.
Discover the Durabook Military-Grade Ground Control Station
A New Benchmark in Rugged UAV Control
Designed to meet the growing demand for a next-generation controller, and with the fully rugged R8 at its core, the GC-R8 is engineered to withstand the harshest environments while offering unrivalled flexibility and durability. A key differentiator of the GC-R8 is its unique breadth of customisation capabilities, as it enables real-time precision control with up to 36 customizable I/O channels, supporting joysticks, D-pads, toggle switches, thumb wheels, and diverse buttons.
Certified with MIL-STD-810H and IP66 resistance, the controller is designed with fanless Coolfinity™ technology and an operating temperature range of -20°C (-4°F) to 60°C (140°F), making it mission-ready for any environment.
A Mission-Ready Technology Partner
Adaptable for a range of UAV/unmanned systems’ applications, the GC-R8 has been built to support a wide spectrum of applications across various key sectors. Its powerful 12th Gen Intel Core processors, UHD Graphics and 8” HD DynaVue Technology make it a critical ally for military reconnaissance and surveillance activities, while the industrial and utilities sector has seen its benefits with infrastructure inspection, logistics, and monitoring.
Growing demand from the construction and agriculture industries has led to application of the GC-R8’s geomapping, automation and precision farming capabilities, while in a search and rescue scenario, its rapid deployment can mean the difference between life and death in disaster response and emergency missions.
Unrivalled Versatility for Every Scenario
Manufactured for operator versatility, the GC-R8 is ergonomically engineered and light, weighing less than 1.2kgs (2.65 lbs). Equipped with Durabook’s fully-rugged R8 tablet, it comes with a sunlight-readable 8-inch HD DynaVue® display (up to 800 nits) that remains operable with gloves, night vision, or in stealth mode.
Its modular control system also enables several flexible configurations, including joysticks or direction pad, multiple push buttons with protective flip-guard cover, up to six toggle switches with optional lock design and optional thumb wheels for fine-tuned control.
Additionally, the station supports VESA mounting (75x75mm, 100x100mm), and includes accessories such as shoulder straps, stylus and D-ring screws for field adaptability.
Unified Connectivity and Optimum Security
The GC-R8 offers a unified control and communication platform with multiple wired and wireless datalink options, including military-grade M12 LAN and USB connectors, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), 4G-LTE and 5G modules and low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication.
The controller’s broad-spectrum antenna design supports frequencies from 600 MHz to 7125 GHz, covering a multitude of wireless bands allowing integration of third-party RF modules for extended range of operations.
This highly integrated yet expandable design facilitates uninterrupted data transmission while offering the unrivalled security customers have come to expect from Durabook.
Explore More on Rugged Technology by Durabook for Defence & UAV Operations
Looking for the right hardware to power unmanned vehicle operations? Discover how Durabook's range of rugged tablets and rugged laptops are transforming mission-critical environments. From the battlefield to UAV ground control, Durabook delivers reliability when it matters most.
Comprehensive Technical Support from APC Technology Group
In addition to being an official distributor in the UK for Durabook, APC's own team of rugged computing specialists is on hand to offer advice and support for customers looking to upgrade to the latest Windows operating environment. Whilst the update process should be seamless, our team offer first-line support for all hardware and technical issues on Durabook products provided by APC. Our team can also advise and support on a wide range of customisation options, ensuring you get the rugged computing solution that best meets your needs.
As Official UK Durabook Distributors, APC's own team of computing specialists are on hand to offer expert advice and support for customers looking to upgrade to the latest Windows operating environment. Whilst the update process should be seamless, our team offer first-line support for all hardware and technical issues on Durabook products provided by APC.
