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Rectangular silver aluminium enclosure with integrated keypad and two detachable cables

Apricorn

Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 AFL3-S16TB 16 TB portable SSD

SKU CH-B8SJ-FM47M MPN AFL3-S16TB

Hardware-encrypted 16 TB portable SSD with onboard keypad authentication and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation pending

  • Total capacity16 TB
  • Interface typeUSB 3.2
  • FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated encryption protects sensitive data
  • AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption secures files without software
  • Onboard keypad authentication keeps PINs off the host system
  • Rugged 6061 aluminium enclosure with hardened epoxy resists physical tampering
  • USB 3.1 and 3.2 cables included for broad device compatibility

16 TB Secure Portable SSD

The Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 AFL3-S16TB is a 16 TB external solid-state drive built for users who need hardware-encrypted storage on the move. It connects via USB 3.2 and includes detachable Type-A and Type-C cables. The drive uses AES-XTS 256-bit encryption with onboard keypad authentication. Its enclosure is made from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminium alloy with tamper-evident fasteners.

Who This Suits and Who Should Look Elsewhere

This drive suits professionals and organisations that require FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated security without installing software. Admin and user forced enrollment removes factory-default PINs. Buyers who need a simpler plug-and-play drive without PIN entry or who want a lower-capacity option for everyday file transfer should consider other models.

FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validation Pending

The single specification that decides suitability is the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation currently pending. This certification confirms the cryptographic module meets strict government-grade security requirements. If your workflow demands this specific compliance, the drive matches the requirement. If that certification is not required, a standard encrypted SSD may be more appropriate.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Portable USB SSDs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $9,721.99
Pricier than about 99% of the 410 comparable items (median $202.99).
Total capacity 16 TB
Higher than about 98% of the 311 comparable items (median 1 TB).
Price per TB $607.62 per TB
Pricier than about 98% of the 310 comparable items (median $142.00 per TB).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameApricorn
Product lineAegis Fortress L3
Model nameAegis Fortress L3 16 TB
Part numberAFL3-S16 TB
Total capacity16 TB
Ports & slots
Interface typeUSB 3.2
Size & build
Shipping weight0.23 kg
Package size178 × 178 × 76 mm

Questions about this item

How long does the 16 TB drive sustain USB 3.2 speeds before thermal throttling?

The rugged 6061 aluminium enclosure acts as a heatsink so the drive maintains USB 3.2 throughput during extended transfers without active cooling.

Does the hardware keypad and AES-XTS 256-bit encryption add audible noise or extra heat during all-day operation?

Encryption runs inside the controller with no moving parts, so the drive stays silent and its temperature rise matches an unencrypted SSD under the same workload.

Which host port and cable combination do I need to unlock the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated drive?

Both detachable USB Type-A and Type-C cables are included; plug either into a standard USB 3.1 or 3.2 port and enter your PIN on the onboard keypad — no driver or software install required.

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