Marines Embrace VR for Combat Vehicle Upkeep in $24M Deal

HERNDON, VA – April 21, 2026 – The U.S. Marine Corps is taking a significant leap into the future of military training, awarding a $24 million contract to Pinnacle Solutions, a subsidiary of Akima, to develop and deliver an advanced suite of maintenance training systems for its next-generation Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). The deal signals a major shift away from traditional classroom methods toward immersive virtual reality (VR) and simulation to prepare technicians for the complexities of the modern battlefield.

The 30-month contract, awarded through an Other Transactional Authority (OTA), will equip Marine maintenance units with cutting-edge tools designed to accelerate learning, enhance proficiency, and ultimately bolster the operational readiness of the critical ACV fleet.

A New Era for Amphibious Training

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle represents a cornerstone of the Marine Corps' modernization strategy under its Force Design 2030 initiative. Developed to replace the venerable Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), which has served since the early 1970s, the ACV is engineered for superior performance in ship-to-shore operations and subsequent combat on land.

Offering significantly improved force protection with a blast-resistant V-shaped hull and greater land speed, the ACV is the primary tactical mobility platform for Marine infantry. The vehicle's successful deployment is central to the Corps' ability to conduct expeditionary operations from the sea. After achieving Initial Operational Capability in late 2020, the ACV has been steadily integrated into the force, making its first overseas operational deployment in 2024.

However, the sophistication of the ACV brings new maintenance challenges. Early operational testing highlighted the need for robust reliability and maintainability. This new training initiative directly addresses that need by ensuring that the Marines tasked with keeping these advanced vehicles in the fight are equipped with the best possible skills, honed in a risk-free, highly realistic virtual environment.

Beyond the Whiteboard: Immersive Learning for Marines

The contract with Pinnacle Solutions moves ACV maintenance training far beyond static manuals and PowerPoint presentations. The core of the initiative is a suite of three interconnected training systems that leverage VR and hands-on simulation:

• Electronic Classroom: This system will upgrade the existing Assault Amphibian School at Camp Pendleton, transforming it into a hub for instructor-led virtual reality training. Marines will be able to interact with a high-fidelity digital twin of the ACV, learning its systems in a fully immersive environment.

• Diagnostic Task Trainer: Moving from theory to practice, this trainer provides hands-on experience in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing the ACV's complex systems and its Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). This allows technicians to develop muscle memory and critical thinking skills for fault isolation without needing access to a physical vehicle.

• Part Task Trainer: Focused on entry-level technicians, this system allows for repeated practice of specific, high-consequence tasks, such as the installation and removal of the ACV's power pack and suspension components. An egress trainer will also be produced to ensure safety procedures are deeply ingrained.

This approach aligns with a broader Pentagon trend of adopting immersive technologies. Studies have shown that VR training can boost knowledge retention rates to over 75%, compared to as low as 10% for traditional classroom learning. The ability to practice complex procedures repeatedly in a safe setting reduces equipment wear, minimizes training accidents, and can significantly shorten the time required for a technician to become mission-proficient.

A Strategic Win in a Competitive Field

For Akima and its subsidiary Pinnacle Solutions, the award solidifies their position as key players in the highly competitive defense training and simulation market. Pinnacle's selection followed a successful prototype demonstration, which led the Marine Corps to exercise its authority to transition directly to a follow-on production contract—a strong vote of confidence in the company's technology.

This win builds on Pinnacle's growing portfolio of high-profile training contracts, including a $369 million award from the U.S. Air Force to develop the maintenance training system for the T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer. The company's expertise in creating scalable, technology-enabled learning solutions using its proprietary VXT© virtual training framework is proving to be a powerful differentiator.

"This award underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge training solutions that prepare Marines for mission success," said Scott Rauer, President of Akima's Facilities Solutions Group, in a statement. "By innovating training systems with our deep technical expertise, we are proud to support the U.S. Marine Corps in enhancing operational readiness."

Development of the ACV training systems will be centered in Huntsville, Alabama, a major hub for defense and aerospace technology. The completed systems will then be deployed to key Marine Corps installations worldwide, ensuring standardized, high-quality training across the force. Deliveries are planned for the Assault Amphibian School at Camp Pendleton, California, as well as Amphibious Assault and Maintenance Battalions at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Okinawa, Japan. This widespread distribution ensures that the benefits of this advanced training will be felt directly at the unit level, where vehicle readiness has the greatest impact on the Marine Corps' ability to project power and respond to crises.