A robust hand-held PC has been developed to withstand the cut and thrust of army life.

The design was created by Raytheon Systems after it was set the challenge by the armed forces.

In a multi-million pound tender, the company was asked to come up with a system that had the latest in palmtopPC technology but was also versatile enough to withstand extreme conditions.

This meant the design not only needed to cope with being harshly handled in any temperature or terrain, but had to be waterproof when submerged in up to two metres of water.

Renowned for its work in creating gadgets for the military, the Harlow-based company responded to this tall order by enlisting the help of Critical Path Engine- ering, based at the Sussex Innovation Centre.

Using the latest 3D modelling techniques and design technology, Critical Path Engine- ering met the deadline of just 20 days and came up with the prototype.

Craig Palmer, managing director, said: "With short deadlines, the challenge was to use techniques that would produce the right results first time.

"With these, we were able to produce a number of test-marketing units for our customer in record time.

"The units were hand finished to produce a realistic look and feel, enabling the concept to be tried, tested and successfully presented to potential customers."

The idea has been welcomed by the Government, Armed Forces and Environmental agencies in the UK and abroad.

Being able to communicate effectively via email while out in the field, and to have the ability to store essential information for down-loading to the office systems via infrared connections, has raised a lot of interest.

The company purposely chose an off-the-shelf palmtopPC in order to get the unit out on to the shelves as soon as possible.

Accessory options, including detachable batteries and additional memory will also be available.