Textron Systems Corporation has been awarded a significant Purchase Order to support the U.S. Air Force’s T-7A Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Programme, reinforcing the growing emphasis on high-fidelity maintenance training as part of modern military aviation readiness.

 

Announced on 30 December 2025, the Purchase Order was placed by Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company, and carries a total potential value of up to $62 million. The three-year base period is valued at $41 million, with additional options for further training devices worth up to $21 million.

 

Under the contract, Textron Systems will design, develop and produce the common fuselage structure used in three maintenance trainers, as well as deliver the Mid-Integrated System Maintenance Trainer (ISMT) and the AFT ISMT in their entirety. Options included in the award provide for the production of additional units of these training devices.

 

The Maintenance Training System (MTS) for the T-7A is intended to provide maintainers with foundational skills required to support the aircraft and its associated subsystems. The ISMTs are designed to enhance both training and maintenance operations by offering simulated environments and dedicated training devices. The MID-ISMT and AFT-ISMT will enable training across multiple systems, including removal and installation tasks, visual examinations, inspections and a range of other maintenance procedures.

 

Steve Mensh, Senior Vice President of Electronic Systems at Textron Systems, said the award builds on the company’s long-standing expertise in advanced training solutions. He noted that Textron Systems brings decades of experience in maintenance training systems to the Pinnacle team, supporting the U.S. Air Force with the skills and capabilities required to maintain the T-7A and its subsystems. He added that the effort reflects Textron Systems’ focus on training excellence and mission readiness in support of the U.S. Air Force.

 

Contract work will be carried out at Textron Systems’ facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, which specialises in military simulation, mission and maintenance training. The site supports the development of foundational flying and maintenance competencies required for transition into current fighter, transport and bomber aircraft.

 

Textron Systems operates across a broad portfolio of uncrewed air, surface and land products, services and support, drawing on the combined expertise of brands including Textron Systems, Howe & Howe, Lycoming and ATAC. Its activities span air, land, sea, propulsion, weapon systems, electronic systems, and test, training and simulation, delivering integrated solutions for defence, aerospace and other mission-critical customers.

 

Textron Inc., the parent company, maintains a global presence across aircraft, defence, industrial and finance businesses, with a portfolio of recognised brands including Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel and Textron Systems.

 

Pinnacle Solutions, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, provides advanced simulation and training solutions, flight operations and training services, aircraft maintenance and technical publications development to a wide range of customers, including U.S. Department of Defense components, international militaries and educational institutions. Pinnacle operates as part of Akima, a global enterprise employing approximately 10,000 people and delivering federal government solutions across multiple sectors. In 2025, Akima ranked 31st on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors.