- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Native Contracting
Alaska Native Corporation-owned Akima has secured a $369 million Air Force contract to build an advanced maintenance training system for the T-7A Red Hawk, expanding its defense presence in Alabama.
The Training Systems Acquisition IV delivery order has a 7.5-year performance period if all options are exercised. As prime contractor, Pinnacle will develop a training solution that integrates advanced training devices, smart classrooms, interactive multimedia instruction, sustainment engineering and logistics support.
The T-7A Maintenance Training System will prepare maintainers for the Red Hawk aircraft, which is replacing the aging T-38C Talon fleet. Pinnacle's VXT Core virtual training framework will serve as the system's foundation, using high-fidelity platform and weapon system models, virtual and augmented reality interfaces, and haptic feedback devices, according to a statement.
"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," Scott Rauer, president of Akima's Facilities Solutions Group, said in the statement. "Pinnacle's deep expertise in immersive, mission-ready training ensures maintainers are equipped to support the T-7A with confidence."
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center will lead the program, with initial development focused in Huntsville, Ala., where Pinnacle is headquartered. The company will deliver training systems to a central facility at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas and to four unit maintenance training facilities across Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Pinnacle will partner with Aero Simulation Inc., LSI Inc., Textron Systems and Janus Research Group on the contract. The company will provide ongoing contractor logistics support and operate a training system support center after deployment.
The contract adds to Akima's growing presence in Huntsville, where the Alaska Native Corporation-owned contractor opened a 35,000-square-foot office in September. Akima already provides facility support services at Redstone Arsenal under a $563 million contract awarded in 2024.
Akima is owned by NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation representing more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders in northwestern Alaska. The company employs 10,000 people globally and ranked 31st on Washington Technology's 2025 Top 100 list of government contractors.
Pinnacle Solutions, based in Huntsville, provides simulation and training solutions, flight operations and training services, and training content development to Department of Defense components, Special Operations Forces, international militaries and educational institutions.
