Textron Systems has won a U.S. Air Force order to deliver maintenance training system elements for the T-7A advanced pilot training program, the company announced Dec. 30. The award covers design, development, and production of critical trainer components that will help maintainers build skills for the new training aircraft.
The T-7A Red Hawk is the Air Force’s next-generation advanced pilot trainer, set to replace the legacy T-38C Talon and boost pilot readiness.
Contract Details
Under the work order from Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company prime on the larger training system effort, Textron Systems will produce the common fuselage structure for three maintenance trainers and complete the Mid-Integrated System Maintenance Trainer and Aft-Integrated System Maintenance Trainer. The base period covers three years and is valued at about $41 million, with options for additional units raising the total to up to $62 million.
The trainers are part of the T-7A Maintenance Training System (MTS), aimed at giving maintainers hands-on practice with removal and installation tasks, visual inspections, subsystem checks, and other skills needed to support the aircraft in service.
Context in Air Force Training Modernization
The broader T-7A training system contract awarded to Pinnacle Solutions last year was reported at about $369 million to design and deliver the full maintenance and training ecosystem for the Red Hawk program. That effort includes advanced simulation, smart classrooms, immersive training technology, and sustainment support.
Textron Systems’ role strengthens the maintenance training element of that overall effort, linking advanced trainer hardware with the Air Force’s push to field a complete pilot and maintainer training infrastructure.
Industry and Program Importance
The T-7A Red Hawk is central to Air Force pilot training modernization. It introduces digital design and manufacturing methods and aims to improve training throughput and readiness for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft pilots.
Textron Systems brings experience in simulation and sustainment training solutions across military domains. Work on this contract will take place at the company’s maintenance and simulation facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
