Sagetech Avionics has been awarded a 10-year, $248,500,000 Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity production contract from the U.S. Army to manufacture the new AN/APX-128 Identify Friend or Foe transponder.
Under SBIR Phase 3 contract W15P7T-26-D-A001, the production and deployment of the transponder will span across Army helicopters, Department of War assets, and Foreign Military Sales. The AN/APX-128 is an extension of Sagetech’s existing MX12B and ACX-3000M transponder lines, offering a low size, weight, power, and cost system that seamlessly replaces legacy hardware.
Designed with Modular Open Systems Architecture compliance, the transponder improves aircraft configuration management and lifecycle. The system includes ADS-B IN capabilities, which align with anticipated requirements outlined in the ALERT Act currently in Congress, and features a flexible architecture that can be upgraded to include the ACAS Xr collision avoidance capability.
The technology was rapidly developed under a previous SBIR contract in partnership with R Cubed Engineering.
Matt Hamilton, CTO of Sagetech Avionics, commented, “The rapid development of the APX-128 was a testament to the deep technical skills of Sagetech’s engineering team, our partnership with the Department of War, and the robust collaboration between Sagetech, the Army, and our partners at R Cubed Engineering.
“The Army’s need to quickly replace an obsolete IFF in their aircraft along with increasing risks of mid-air collisions in crowded airspace created a sense of urgency among all of the collaborators, enabling Sagetech’s rapid progression to production and fielding of this technology.”
Tom Furey, CEO of Sagetech Avionics, added, “The APX-128 is a MOSA-compliant, upgradeable solution which will enhance airspace safety in training missions and protect our warfighters in combat. With a flexible architecture and modular design, this platform can be upgraded and customized for legacy and future aircraft platforms alike.”
