Systems Technology, Inc. (STI)

What Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) does

Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) is a privately held, 100% employee-owned engineering company founded in 1957 by Duane T. McRuer and Irving L. Ashkenas, both former Northrop Grumman flight control experts. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, STI develops ultra-realistic human-machine simulation systems for three vertical markets: Defense (PARASIM® parachute training simulators), Clinical/Research (STISIM Drive® driving simulation platform), and Aerospace (FMU flight control systems and handling qualities software). The company's technology stack combines validated physics-based dynamics, virtual/mixed reality (including its patented Fused Reality technology), and real-time computing, with tools such as HAWK, SOAR, MIST, MCRUER, and MAESTRO Digital Twin integrated through MATLAB Simulink and AscendOS. STI sells to U.S. and international militaries, NASA, research institutions, clinical rehabilitation centers (800+ STISIM Drive clients), and aerospace/UAS developers, with products fielded by all four U.S. military service branches.

STI operates a hybrid revenue model combining turnkey hardware simulator sales (PARASIM P-2000/P-3000/E-2000 and STISIM M1000-M4000 systems), recurring software subscriptions and tiered support plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum with up to 6-year coverage), flight control hardware (FMU for UAS/rotorcraft), and professional engineering services for handling qualities evaluation, GNC development, and custom training. The company distributes through division-specific enterprise field sales teams (Aerospace, Defense, Clinical), GSA Advantage for federal procurement, international sales representatives, and a self-install M1000 software-only SKU for budget-constrained researchers. Notably, over 1,500 peer-reviewed papers have been published using STISIM Drive, and PARASIM is the recognized gold standard in military parachute training, with the 336th Training Group at Fairchild AFB operating 17 PARASIM units as the world's largest such installation.

STI's commercial posture reflects a niche specialty firm with a long product lifecycle, deep institutional entrenchment in defense and clinical research, and emerging expansion into UAS autonomy (FMU + Bolder Flight Systems partnership for U.S.-manufactured autopilots) and AI-driven pilot training (SimAssist™). The 11-50 employee range, ESOP ownership, and absence of disclosed institutional funding indicate a capital-efficient, founder-legacy business now operating in three distinct verticals with separate sub-brands (PARASIM, STISIM Drive, HAWK, SOAR, MIST, MCRUER, SimAssist, FMU).

Name

Systems Technology, Inc. (STI)

Legal name

Systems Technology, Inc.

Website

https://systemstech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Systems Technology, Inc. is an employee-owned simulation company developing physics-based human-machine training and control systems for military (PARASIM parachute simulators), clinical/research (STISIM Drive driving simulators), and aerospace/UAS (FMU flight controllers) customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Simulation Systems and Training Equipment

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMABAOAL

Modeling, Simulation, Digital Twins & Mission Rehearsal Systems

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Defense Systems and Technologies

SECONDARYIMABAFAN

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Avionics, Navigation & Flight Control Systems

SECONDARYEDAFAJAC

Healthcare & Clinical Simulation (Surgery, Nursing, EMT, Patient Interaction)

Education/Education Technology (EdTech) & Digital Learning/AR/VR/XR, Simulations & Immersive Learning

SECONDARYMPAFAAAH

Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Gaming & Interactive Entertainment (Video Games, Esports)/Game Development Studios (PC/Console/Mobile)

Keywords

• Human-machine interaction simulation
• Parachute training simulators
• Driving simulation systems
• Flight control engineering
• Military training simulation

Headquarters

HQ city

Hawthorne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Simulation Hardware Sales: Sale of simulation systems including PARASIM parachute simulators (P2000, P3000, E2000 models) and STISIM Drive driving simulators (M1000, M2000, M3000, M4000). Includes turnkey solutions with hardware platforms.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Software solutions including STISIM Drive application software, HAWK, SOAR, MIST analysis tools, and support plans with multi-tier coverage options.
3. Support Plans and Services: Tiered support plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) offering remote software support, hardware diagnostics, on-site visits, and extended coverage up to 6 years.
4. Engineering Services: Aerospace engineering services including handling qualities evaluation, flight testing, GNC development, modeling and simulation, and custom training courses.
5. Flight Control Products: Deployable flight controllers and FMU systems for UAS, rotorcraft, and experimental aircraft with customization and integration services.
6. Navigator Training Program: Clinical training program for STISIM Drive technology adoption and clinical framework utilization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) develops and sells ultra-realistic simulation hardware and software for three core markets: defense parachute training (PARASIM virtual reality simulators), clinical and research driving assessment (STISIM Drive platforms), and aerospace flight control engineering (FMU autopilots plus HAWK/SOAR/MIST/SimAssist software tools). The company's products combine validated physics-based dynamics models with mixed reality, AI-driven adaptive training, and MATLAB Simulink integration to enable ground-based rehearsal and assessment for high-risk operations.

Product overview

Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) offers a portfolio of ultra-realistic simulation solutions across three divisions: Aerospace, Defense (PARASIM®), and Clinical (STISIM Drive®). The company provides specialized hardware simulators and software tools designed to optimize human performance in high-stakes environments. PARASIM® is the core defense product line for parachute training available in P-2000 (static line), P-3000 (military freefall/HAHO/HALO), and E-2000 (pilot ejection/bailout) models, with optional Network capabilities for group training. STISIM Drive® is the driving simulation platform offered in clinical (M3000-OT, M4000-OT) and research (M1000-R, M2000-R, M3000-R, M4000-R) variants, powered by G4 software and supporting modules like VDANL Drive® and DUI Module. The aerospace division provides FMU flight controllers with associated software tools including HAWK (handling qualities evaluation), SOAR (control optimization), MIST (modal identification), MCRUER (flight testing tablet), SimAssist™ (AI pilot training), and MAESTRO Digital Twin for simulation-to-flight workflows.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PARASIM®: The global standard for parachute training, trusted for over three decades. Virtual reality parachute simulator for military and aviation professionals.
• STISIM Drive®
• HAWK
• SOAR
• MIST
• MCRUER
• SimAssist™
• FMU (Flight Management Unit)

Products and services

• PARASIM Virtual Reality Parachute Simulator Virtual reality parachute training simulator using physics-based parachute dynamics with realistic instrumented controls. Used by U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines for premeditated airborne operations, emergency egress, pilot ejection, static-line, and military freefall (HAHO/HALO) training. Includes P-2000, P-3000, and E-2000 model variants and an optional Network system for multi-station group training and mission rehearsal.
• STISIM Drive Driving Simulation Platform Driving simulation platform for clinical and research applications that provides realistic scenarios and objective performance metrics for driver assessment, rehabilitation, and research studies. Offered in clinical (M3000-OT, M4000-OT) and research (M1000-R through M4000-R) variants with wheelchair-compatible configurations and immersive 135-degree field-of-view displays. Featured in 1,500+ peer-reviewed research papers and trusted by 800+ clinical and research clients.
• FMU (Flight Management Unit) Autopilot Deployable flight control system for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), rotorcraft, and experimental aircraft, integrated with MATLAB Simulink and AscendOS for rapid prototype-to-flight workflows. Supports BVLOS operations, digital twin integration via MAESTRO, and certification-ready compliance for commercial and defense UAS programs.
• HAWK Handling Qualities Evaluation Toolkit Comprehensive handling qualities evaluation software toolkit for predictive HQ assessment of rotorcraft, fixed-wing, and UAV platforms, with custom MATLAB interface, PIO analysis, and frequency-domain analysis. Used by aerospace engineering teams for ADS-33 compliance and certification support.
• SOAR Control Optimization Software System for Optimizing Aircraft Response software that optimizes flight control gain sets to meet Level 1 handling qualities requirements using multi-stage optimization techniques. Sold to aerospace engineering teams developing rotorcraft, fixed-wing, and UAV platforms.
• MIST Modal Identification Software Toolbox Model Identification Software Toolbox providing real-time modal identification for aircraft testing, with MATLAB implementation for offline post-processing and IADS for real-time control room analysis. Used by aerospace flight test engineers.
• SimAssist AI-Powered Pilot Training AI-driven pilot training solution delivering adaptive personalized lessons, real-time coaching, offline replay and debriefing, and AI-driven recommendations tailored to individual pilots using digital twin simulations. Used for pilot assessment and next-generation simulator training workflows.
• MAESTRO Digital Twin Platform Digital twin platform for modeling, simulating, and validating flight performance, integrated with FMU flight controllers for end-to-end simulation-to-flight workflows. Used by aerospace engineering teams developing UAS, rotorcraft, and experimental aircraft.
• MCRUER Tablet Display System Tablet-based handling qualities testing display system for simulation and live flight, also functioning as a ground station for FMU flight controllers with real-time monitoring and data visualization.
• VDANL Drive Vehicle Dynamics Module Comprehensive vehicle dynamics module using a composite slip tire model that simulates virtually all driver-induced maneuvering up through spin-outs and rollovers for passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Used by STISIM Drive customers for advanced driving research.
• PARASIM P-2000 Static Line Parachute Simulator Static line parachute training simulator supporting MC-6, MC-5, T-10, T-11 and other military static-line canopies with instrumented reserve ripcords for malfunction training. Sold as a turnkey hardware platform to defense customers.
• PARASIM P-3000 Military Freefall Simulator Advanced military freefall simulator for HAHO/HALO operations with exit altitudes up to 30,000 ft, featuring optional Free Fall Maneuvering Module and Motorized Horizontal Start Frame. Sold to defense and special operations customers.
• PARASIM E-2000 Pilot Ejection and Bailout Trainer Pilot ejection and bailout trainer supporting GQ 6000 for F-35 and Butler Low Profile Parachute (BA-30), with Motorized Vertical Start Frame for synchronized virtual/real landing. Sold to air force and defense customers.
• STISIM Drive Navigator Training Program Clinical training program for understanding application of STISIM Drive driving simulation technology, promoting technology utilization while stimulating client engagement and clinical outcomes. Sold to clinical and rehabilitation customers adopting STISIM Drive.
• Aerospace Engineering Services Aerospace engineering services including handling qualities evaluation, flight testing, GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) development, modeling and simulation, and custom training courses delivered to government and industry aerospace partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• A before-and-after study of 600 military jumpers demonstrated improved performance and confidence across all experience levels after training with PARASIM
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability3 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Bolder Flight Systems, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2026Strategic partnership to co-develop fully U.S.-manufactured autopilot systems for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Combines BFS's flight control hardware and software with STI's aerospace guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) expertise to deliver secure, mission-ready autonomy solutions for commercial, defense, and research applications. Addresses federal policy restrictions on UAS manufactured by certain foreign entities, including provisions of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FlightSafety International: Premier professional aviation training organization operating high-fidelity full-flight simulators across commercial, business, and military aviation. Direct peer for STI's aerospace flight training portfolio and partner/competitor for government/military pilot training programs.
• Quantum3D: Specializes in real-time visual / image generation systems and embedded computing for defense simulation and training. Comparable to STI on the simulation hardware/software stack serving aerospace and military customers.
• Frasca International: Designer and manufacturer of flight simulation devices for general aviation, military rotary-wing, and UAV training. Closest U.S.-based mid-market peer to STI's flight simulation and handling qualities product lines, serving overlapping military and civil aviation customers.
• CAE Inc. Global leader in civil aviation training, defense and security simulation with a full-spectrum flight simulator portfolio. Directly competes with STI in flight training/defense simulation and offers a broader commercial aviation platform; also operates a clinical/healthcare simulation arm.
• Presagis: Provider of simulation modeling, visualization, and synthetic environment software for aerospace and defense markets. Direct peer to STI's HAWK/SOAR aerospace software stack, sharing modeling-and-simulation customers in government and commercial aerospace.
• DriveSafety (a division of Dynamic Research, Inc.): Developer of high-fidelity driving simulators used in clinical driver rehabilitation, research, and human factors studies. Closest direct peer to STI's STISIM Drive clinical and research driving simulation portfolio.

Emerging players

• Surgical Science Sweden AB: Leading provider of virtual reality training simulators for medical and clinical education. Adjacent/intersecting in the clinical simulation space with STI's STISIM Drive, focused on procedural rather than driver-rehabilitation simulation.

Others

• Moog Inc. Motion control, actuation, and simulation platform supplier across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Supplies motion-base systems used across both flight and driving simulators and is adjacent/ecosystem to STI rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies (Link Training & Simulation): Defense prime whose Link Training & Simulation division builds military training systems and full-mission simulators across air, land, and sea. Larger-scale incumbent with overlapping capabilities for high-fidelity military simulation, but as part of a much broader defense electronics portfolio.
• Saab (Training & Simulation): Defense and security prime with a training and simulation business serving military aviation, naval, and ground domains. Broader portfolio incumbent competing with STI in defense simulation and live-virtual-constructive training environments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVqjpsjj7Uw1k6xNJMbzdtw
• Facebookfacebook.com/STISIMDrive
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/systemstechinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/parasimvr
• Xx.com/systemstech

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Systems Technology, Inc. (STI)