Members of the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) are developing a payload hosted on small satellites for the U.S. Army, which will provide more effective sensor-to-soldier data transmission in the field. Iridium Communications Inc., a traditional defense contractor with more than 20 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, has partnered with non-traditional defense contractors, Satelles and SEAKR, in this endeavor.

The payload could be used to broadcast data such as timing or location signals, and will support military users who rely to GPS signals for positioning, navigation, and timing. The research and development project is enabled through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the AMTC. The contract is worth up to $30 million. The OTA consortium model fosters a collaborative environment with enables non-traditional organizations to team up with traditional defense contractors to provide unique and critical solutions for the government.

When ACC Redstone Arsenal and Army CCDC Aviation & Missile Center sought a consortium to develop aviation and missile technologies, the National Armaments Consortium (NAC) and Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC) teamed to form AMTC in 2018, with ATI as the consortium manager. ATI, a nonprofit, helps the government quickly acquire novel technologies by building and leading innovative R&D collaborations, including AMTC, NAC, and VLC. ATI makes it easier for people and organizations to work together by providing a range of support services, including R&D portfolio management, contracting, financial management, event planning, and training.

About the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium

The AMTC’s mission is to foster collaboration among Government, industry, and academia to rapidly develop and mature guided missile technologies, manufacturing and enabling/disruptive technologies, and aviation technologies to meet U.S. Army and DoD requirements and enhance our national security. AMTC is supported by Advanced Technology International.