Textron Systems Corporation (Textron Systems), has been awarded a purchase order by Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company, to support the US Air Force’s T-7A Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Programe Maintenance Training System (MTS). The total contract value is up to US$62 million, comprising a three-year base period valued at US$41 million, with options for additional training devices worth up to US$21 million.
Under the contract, Textron Systems will design, develop and produce the common fuselage structure used across three maintenance trainers, as well as deliver in full the Mid Integrated System Maintenance Trainer (ISMT) and the AFT Integrated System Maintenance Trainer. The contract options also include the production of additional units of these training systems.
The T-7A Maintenance Training System is intended to provide maintainers with the core skills required to support the T-7A aircraft and its associated subsystems. The integrated system maintenance trainers will enhance training and maintenance support by offering highly realistic simulated environments and specialised training devices. The MID-ISMT and AFT-ISMT will enable training across multiple systems, including removal and installation tasks, visual examinations and inspections, and a wide range of maintenance procedures.
Work under the contract will be carried out at Textron Systems’ Goose Creek, South Carolina facility, which specialises in military simulation, mission and maintenance training. The site supports the development of foundational flying and maintenance skills, enabling personnel to transition effectively to current fighter, transport and bomber aircraft.
