Akima subsidiary Pinnacle Solutions has been awarded a Training Systems Acquisition IV delivery order by the U.S. Air Force to design, develop and deliver the T-7A Maintenance Training System, a key part of the service’s next-generation training platform.
The delivery order is valued at $369 million and includes a 7.5-year period of performance if all options are exercised.
As the prime contractor, Pinnacle will build and field a scalable, technology-driven training system that integrates advanced training devices, smart classrooms, interactive multimedia instruction, sustainment engineering and logistics support. Pinnacle’s VXT© Core virtual training framework will serve as the backbone of the T-7A MTS.
Using high-fidelity platform and weapon system models, virtual and augmented reality interfaces and haptic feedback devices, VXT Core delivers immersive training across many device types. The system is built for long-term training effectiveness and operational readiness.
“This win highlights Akima’s ability to deliver sophisticated training and logistics capabilities at scale to meet the evolving mission needs of the U.S. Air Force,” said Scott Rauer, president of Akima’s Facilities Solutions Group. “Pinnacle’s deep expertise in immersive, mission-ready training ensures maintainers are equipped to support the T-7A with confidence.”
The T-7A MTS will train maintainers for the next-generation T-7A Red Hawk aircraft, which is replacing the aging T-38C Talon fleet. Working with Aero Simulation Inc., LSI Inc., Textron Systems and Janus Research Group LLC, Pinnacle will use a mature development ecosystem to speed production and sustainment of a high-fidelity, extensible training system.
Led by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the first three years of the program will focus on system development in Huntsville, Alabama. Pinnacle will deliver training systems to a central training facility at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, and to four unit maintenance training facilities across Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Once deployed, Pinnacle will provide contractor logistics support and operate the Training System Support Center to ensure long-term readiness.