Akima Subsidiary to Develop Air Force T-7A Maintenance Training System

Akima has announced that its subsidiary, Pinnacle Solutions, has been awarded a Training Systems Acquisition IV (TSA IV) delivery order by the U.S. Air Force to design, develop, and deliver the T-7A Maintenance Training System (MTS). The project, which supports the Air Force’s next-generation training platform, carries a total potential value of $369 million over a 7.5-year period if all options are exercised.

As the prime contractor, Pinnacle will develop and deploy a comprehensive, scalable, and technology-enabled training solution—integrating advanced training devices, smart classrooms, interactive multimedia instruction, sustainment engineering, and logistics support. Pinnacle’s proven VXT© Core virtual training framework will serve as the backbone of the T-7A MTS. Leveraging high-fidelity platform and weapon system models, virtual and augmented reality interfaces, and haptic feedback devices, VXT© Core delivers deeply immersive, training experiences accessible across a wide range of devices. The system is designed to ensure 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 prepare maintainers for the next-generation T-7A Red Hawk aircraft, which is replacing the aging T-38C Talon fleet. In partnership with Aero Simulation, Inc.; LSI, Inc.; Textron Systems; and Janus Research Group, LLC, Pinnacle will leverage a mature development ecosystem to accelerate production and sustainment of a high-fidelity, extensible training system.

Led by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the initial three years of the program will be focused 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 ongoing Contractor Logistics Support and operate the Training System Support Center to ensure long-term readiness.