Industry Interview: AMTI, an operation of SAIC
Rich Walters, Jr.
Operations Manager
AMTI, an operation of SAIC
Q: Since we talked last year, what changes has the AMTI operation undergone?
A: As you know, AMTI was acquired by Science Applications International [SAIC] in December, 2006. Because the AMTI product brand equity is so strong, we have recently reorganized into a product operation within SAIC. As a result, most of our services divisions have migrated into similar operating entities within SAIC with two notable exceptions. We have retained our counter bombing services and our vehicle integration operation. This operation provides an optimum combination of rapid prototyping, integration and test, engineering and design, modeling and assembly to accommodate tactical military vehicles.
Q: Does the new AMTI change your strategic support for SOF?
A: Not at all. AMTI was founded by ex-special operations people to specifically serve the SOF community. That is our culture. We are still very much in sync with SOF as well as the conventional military. Our communications products are solidly entrenched among the various SOF units. And new product offerings and our packaged solutions will further expand our support of SOF missions.
Q: Packaged solutions?
A: Recognizing new needs, we wanted to go beyond selling just a great amp. While we still sell individual units, AMTI is now designing total solutions. Our manpack Alpha 320 kit includes the amp, an AMTI-designed 90-512 MHz antenna, quick release mounting bracket, RF jumper and weighs less than 3 pounds. Another, the LPAS-320 was designed at the request of an allied spec ops group. It includes an integrated rechargeable battery box, charging pocket for the MBITR, associated cabling and the new antenna in one portable package weighing less than 13 pounds.
Q: Can you tell our readers about new AMTI products?
A: We have just launched a new multiband 75 watt amp that supports JTRS, DAMA and other waveforms. It provides multilevel power control for 12, 25 and 50/75 watts. AMTI is also marketing a mobile expanded shelter system that offers open floor plans easily adapted to meet specific operational requirements. For example, it can be a TOC, medical unit, forensic lab, disaster response unit, and more! And, it can easily include the Quicklock cargo restraint system for added flexibility to secure gear in operation and while being transported. We have also introduced new cables and other accessories.
Q: What drives your research and development?
A: We still get many inquiries from the field and provide rapid prototyping and customer engineering on request. Between the two sources, we have a full pipeline of new products in R&D for the SOF community and others. Our inhouse technical teams, like our comms product manager are all SMEs as well. As a result, our capabilities allow us to identify niches within our core areas of competency. Our goal is to not merely compete with a like product, but to stand out. This is one of the major reasons for global acceptance of our products.
Q: Are you saying differentiation is your strong point?
A: Yes, but not our only point. Differentiation is important to our success. For example, many amps on the market do not provide consistent full-power across the 30-512 MHz range. Ours do and that’s important to the operator. The Alpha 320’s efficiency requires less than 2.2 amps of battery draw to provide a full 20 watts of power. It also uses single battery operation and when using the 5390 battery can provide up to 24 hours of operation at a 15 percent duty cycle. We are also an ISO certified facility and of the thousands of units in the field, less than one-half of one percent has ever been returned for warranty or for repair. This is more than just quality control, it is quality assurance. Put it all together and you can see why we boldly state if you can find a better amp, buy it.
Q: Summing up, anything to add to what you have already said?
A: Only that we are glad to be of service and we are very appreciative of the support that we receive from the special operations community. As their roles and missions continue to expand, we’ll be there with them providing the best that we can in robust, reliable products. It is more than just business. We take it personally. ♦