What Zeda Soft does

ZedaSoft, Inc. is a privately held, Fort Worth, Texas–based defense simulation software company founded in 1999 by veterans of the Lockheed Martin Flight Simulation Laboratory (GW Estep II, Frederick B. Fleury, and Rob Hatcherson). It develops reconfigurable, MOSA-compliant flight simulation products and services for U.S. government, military, and commercial aviation customers, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and UAS/RPA platforms used in training, research and development, and prototyping environments.

The company's product portfolio is built on its patented Java-based Container-Based Architecture (CBA) for Simulation—covered by U.S. Patents 7,516,052 and 8,150,664—which provides an XML-driven, object-oriented framework with Fractal Containment for component interchangeability, DIS v6 protocol support, and LVC (Live/Virtual/Constructive) exercise capabilities. On top of CBA, ZedaSoft delivers its flagship aircraft simulation packages (AH-64 Apache, OH-58D Kiowa, F-16, F-18, F-22, U/MH-60), the Mockingbird UAS/RPA software, the Zuse reconfigurable simulation station hardware, and additional modules including ZedaVR for XR integration, MiLToC role-player software, the DIS Filter/Router, the Instructor/Experimenter Operator Station (I/EOS), and the CBA Ground Test Toolkit for hardware-in-the-loop protocols (MIL-STD-1553B, ARINC 429, STANAG 4586).

ZedaSoft generates revenue through three primary streams: software licensing of the CBA SDK, sale of integrated simulation products and platforms (turnkey or hybrid solutions), and systems integration professional services. Pricing is project-specific and procured primarily through direct enterprise field sales, with U.S. federal customers buying through GSA Schedule contract GS35F0354X. The customer base is concentrated in U.S. military services (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Army Redstone DTCC, U.S. Army PEO-STRI, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force Force Protection Battlelab), civil aviation research (FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute), and Fortune 100 defense primes (Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, Textron Aviation). The company holds an active GSA Schedule contract and cites current revenues as not publicly disclosed, with 11–50 employees operating from a single Fort Worth headquarters.

Name

Zeda Soft

Legal name

ZedaSoft, Inc.

Website

https://zedasoft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ZedaSoft is a privately held Fort Worth, Texas defense simulation software company that builds MOSA-compliant, modular flight simulators on its patented CBA framework for the U.S. military, FAA, and Fortune 100 defense contractors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Flight Simulation Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO)

Keywords

• Defense flight simulation
• Military training simulators
• UAS drone simulation
• Simulation software framework
• Avionics laboratory simulation

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Worth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing (CBA SDK): ZedaSoft licenses its CBA for Simulation framework and SDK to customers who develop their own solutions. The software provides the foundation for rapid development of custom simulation applications. Available as SDK for third-party programmers.
2. Simulation Products and Platforms: Sale of integrated simulation products including Zuse Simulation Stations, Mockingbird UAS/RPA Software, and aircraft simulation packages (F-16, Apache, F-18, etc.). Products are sold as turnkey training-ready systems or hybrid solutions.
3. Systems Integration Services: Professional services for developing custom simulation solutions, integrating third-party components into cohesive simulator systems, and supporting existing customer SDK implementations. Provides rapid deployment of solutions for Fortune 100 defense contractors, FAA, and military services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ZedaSoft develops and licenses a patented, Java-based, MOSA-compliant Container-Based Architecture (CBA) software framework and SDK for real-time flight simulation, and delivers reconfigurable simulator products on top of it — including Mockingbird UAS/RPA simulation software, the Zuse reconfigurable simulation station hardware, and ZedaVR VR/XR rendering — together with integrated aircraft simulation packages (F-16, F-18, F-22, AH-64 Apache, OH-58 Kiowa, U/MH-60) and systems-integration services for U.S. military and civil-aviation customers.

Product overview

ZedaSoft provides a modular simulation platform centered on its CBA (Container Based Architecture) for Simulation framework - a MOSA-compliant, Java-based software architecture that serves as the foundation for all simulator products. The portfolio includes two core product lines: Mockingbird for UAS/RPA drone simulation and Zuse hardware simulation stations, plus ZedaVR for VR/XR integration. Aircraft simulation models cover military platforms (AH-64 Apache, OH-58D Kiowa, F-16C, F-18E, F-22 Raptor, U/MH-60 Seahawk). CBA framework add-ons include MiLToC for training role players, I/EOS for scenario management, DIS Filter for network optimization, Data Recording/Playback, and Ground Test Toolkit for hardware-in-the-loop testing. The CBA SDK enables third-party extension of the platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ZedaVR: VR/XR solution enabling defense industry to leverage legacy embedded mission systems software in gaming engine environments
• CBA for Simulation
• Mockingbird
• Zuse Simulation Station
• MiLToC

Products and services

• CBA for Simulation Framework (with SDK) Patented, Java-based, MOSA-compliant software framework providing object-oriented architecture for real-time flight and ground simulation, with an SDK that allows customers and third-party programmers to extend the platform via XML-driven Fractal Containment plug-ins. Sold to defense contractors, integrators and internal modelers building CBA-based simulators.
• Mockingbird UAS/RPA Simulation Software Reconfigurable, networkable simulation software for UAS/RPA aircraft and ground control stations including Pilot and Sensor Operator interfaces, scenario-building features, 1080p EO/IR sensors, SAR imaging, and DIS radio/communications. Sold to military RPA programs and commercial UAS training organizations.
• Zuse Simulation Station Low-cost, flexible, reconfigurable simulation station/sled supporting multiple display configurations including Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, single monitor, multi-monitor and dome installations, and configurable for various aircraft and vehicle control sets. Sold as turnkey hardware platform to defense and aviation customers.
• ZedaVR VR/XR solution enabling the defense industry to leverage legacy embedded mission-systems software while rendering in modern gaming engines. Allows reuse of existing terrain databases and scenarios and integration with VR/XR environments such as the Varjo XR-3 mixed-reality headset. Sold to defense programs seeking modern VR front-ends for existing CBA-based simulators.
• MiLToC (Man-in-the-Loop Transfer-of-Control) CBA capability enabling constructive simulations to transfer entities into virtual man-in-the-loop controlled entities via DIS PDUs, providing role-player F-16C/E, F-18E, AH-64D, OH-58D/F, Su-30, JAGUAR and MANPAD platforms as force multipliers in LVC training exercises.
• AH-64 Apache Simulation Package Aircraft simulation model for the AH-64 Apache helicopter, including AH-64D Block II Lot 10 with AH-64E features, tactical mission equipment, NVG/IR scenes, TADS sensor simulation and M230 chain gun, Hydra 70 rockets and Hellfire missile weapons integration. Purchased by U.S. Army Redstone DTCC and other defense customers building rotorcraft trainers on CBA.
• OH-58 Kiowa Warrior Simulation Package OH-58D tactical mission simulation model with nose-mounted sensor system, Hydra-70 rocket and Hellfire missile simulations, and DIS capabilities with Improved Data Modem datalink. Used to build light-attack/armed-reconnaissance trainers on CBA.
• F-16 Fighting Falcon Simulation Package F-16C Block 50 fixed-wing fighter simulation model with color MFDs, ICP, DED, RWR, HUD, LANTIRN TGP, air-to-air/air-to-ground weapons, autopilot, touch-screen interfaces and HOTAS integration. The simulator model underlying Lockheed Martin's Auto GCAS/ACAT testing at Skunk Works.
• F-18 Super Hornet Simulation Package F-18E Super Hornet simulation model based on the pilot manual, featuring tactical engagement displays including navigation, air-to-air, radar symbology, MPDs and a 6 DOF aero/propulsion model. Used to build F-18 training and demonstrator systems on CBA.
• F-22 Raptor Simulation Package F-22 Raptor simulation model approximating the Spiral 3 avionics baseline, with navigation, air-to-air and air-to-ground symbology on four color MFDs, UFDs and HUD. The original aircraft model that launched ZedaSoft's demonstration work for Lockheed Martin's F-22 program.
• U/MH-60 Seahawk Simulation Package U/MH-60 helicopter simulation model with pilot, copilot and sensor-operator stations, including surface-search radar, IFF and Penguin missile simulation. Used in naval aviation trainer builds.
• Instructor/Experimenter Operator Station (I/EOS) Extensible instructor/operator GUI providing CBA scenario creation, mission monitoring, route/behavior and weather setup, event-based behaviors and scenario recording/playback, with a plug-in extension framework for customer customization. Sold to training facilities running CBA-based simulations.
• TAGARS (Technically Advanced General Aviation Research Simulator) Custom-built, technically advanced general aviation research simulator using Garmin G1000 avionics with a Piper Malibu M350 cockpit configuration, designed for FAA CAMI human factors research on pilot workload, cockpit interface evaluation and airspace awareness studies.

Quantifiable outcome

• CBA RCS (Reconfigurable Cockpit System) costs one quarter of traditional defense simulators while providing equivalent training value
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 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

Integration24 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• VarjocoreTechnology or Integration · 20 April 2022Integration of Varjo XR-3 mixed reality head-mounted displays with Zuse Simulation Station and Mockingbird Drone Simulator. Varjo XR-3 headset integrated into ZedaSoft booth at I/ITSEC 2021 and AAAA 2022. HMD provides near double the resolution of current gaming headsets.
• Bugeye Technologies, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 23 September 2019Teamed for 15+ years delivering high-quality simulator solutions. Bugeye provides Reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit Trainers (RVCT) for U.S. Army Synthetic Training Environment. ZedaSoft integrates Apache and Blackhawk simulated OFP software into Bugeye RVCT systems. Partnership includes mixed reality rotorcraft cockpit systems and VR door gunner trainers.
• Bihrle Applied Research, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides high-fidelity aircraft flight physics and systems models for Apache aircraft. Bihrle Dsix software used with CBA framework. Also provides Bell 407NXi flight model for FAA CAMI rotorcraft simulator upgrades.
• PLEXSYS Interface Products, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides PLEXComm simulated radio/intercom software, VADAAR LVC recording system, ASCOT constructive battle-space simulation, and Launch Control products. PLEXSYS software integrated into USAFA MDL and other ZedaSoft deployments.
• MVRsimulation, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) for out-the-window, sensor, and door gunner visual scene rendering. VRSG used across ZedaSoft simulation products including USAFA MDL, RVCT systems, and TAGARS. Also provides terrain databases.
• DiSTI CorporationkeyTechnology or IntegrationProvides GL Studio graphics development tool for cockpit interface replication. Used for FAA 737Max aircraft research simulation displays and Garmin G1000H-NXi software graphics in FAA CAMI simulators.
• Precision Flight ControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides cockpit hardware, flight controls, and simulated Garmin G1000 hardware. Supplied DCX-MAX cockpit for TAGARS and Garmin 1000H-NXi avionics instrument panels for FAA CAMI rotorcraft simulators.
• Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Inc.keyTechnology or IntegrationProvides VBS Blue IG (Image Generator) for UAS sensor software and mixed reality flight training. Integrated at I/ITSEC 2019 with Apache AH-64 OFP and Bugeye RVCT cockpit.
• SA-Photonics, Inc.keyTechnology or IntegrationProvides SA-92 helmet-mounted displays (HMD) for augmented reality visual solutions. SA-62/H AR HMD integrated into Apache simulator with 62-degree diagonal FOV at 1920x1200 pixels per lens resolution.
• GarminkeyTechnology or IntegrationAssisted ZedaSoft in developing G1000 software simulator integrated with Precision Flight Controls hardware. Garmin provides avionics specifications enabling accurate simulation for FAA CAMI human factors research.
• Immersive Display Solutions, Inc. (IDSI)keyTechnology or IntegrationProvides dome projection systems for ZedaSoft dual dome simulators at Lockheed Martin ADP. 270-degree horizontal by +120/-30 degree vertical FOV dome screens with high resolution imagery.
• GaN CorporationkeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRedstone DTCC prime contractor that awarded ZedaSoft additional contract funding to advance Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) testing between Apache simulator and MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAS.
• Textron Aviation (Scorpion)keyTechnology or IntegrationMIL-STD-1553B and ARINC 429 interface plug-ins created to support development and testing of Scorpion aircraft simulators including handling qualities testing, system integration laboratory, and business development configurations.
• United Electronic Industries (UEI)supportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides discrete and analog signal conversion boards for ZedaSoft simulator cockpits. Used in Apache simulator at U.S. Army Redstone DTCC.
• Simulation and Control Technologies (SCT)supportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides control loading system for realistic flying qualities in Apache simulator. Integrated with CBA framework at U.S. Army Redstone DTCC.
• HAVIKsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvided separate but integrated Virtual Reality JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) trainer for VR Call for Fire Trainer (CFFT) closely integrated via DIS protocol with ZedaSoft Apache training simulator.
• Salient CRGTkeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIndustry partner in USAFA MDL development alongside PLEXSYS and ZedaSoft. Contributed to creation of modular suites with integrated JADOC, Flight Bay, and RPA control room.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE Inc. CAE is the world's largest pure-play civil and defense aviation training and simulation company, providing full-spectrum pilot training, simulator hardware, and training services. It is comparable to ZedaSoft as a broad incumbent in flight simulation but operates at vastly greater scale and across commercial aviation as well as defense.
• Collins Aerospace (RTX): Collins Aerospace delivers military flight simulation, training, and integrated avionics systems as part of RTX's broader defense portfolio. Comparable to ZedaSoft as a broad incumbent offering reconfigurable simulators and embedded training, but with significantly greater scale and platform integration capabilities.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris offers military simulation, training, and rehearsal systems across air, land, and sea domains. Comparable to ZedaSoft in providing reconfigurable military training solutions but as part of a much larger defense prime portfolio with global reach and substantial R&D budgets.
• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International designs and manufactures full-flight simulators and provides professional pilot training, primarily for civil aviation. Comparable to ZedaSoft as a high-fidelity flight simulator provider but oriented toward commercial aviation training centers rather than reconfigurable DoD mission systems.

Direct peers

• MetaVR (now part of Cubic): MetaVR's Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) provides out-the-window and sensor image generation for military training, integrated by ZedaSoft as a partner in the USAFA MDL and other programs. Direct peer in the high-fidelity visual scene rendering layer of military simulation.
• Presagis: Presagis provides modeling, simulation, and embedded graphics software (VBS, Vega Prime, STAGE) used across defense and aerospace training and visualization. Direct peer in commercial-off-the-shelf simulation frameworks that compete with CBA-style modular simulation platforms for mission-critical use cases.
• Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim): BISim develops VBS Blue IG image generation and virtual simulation software widely used for military training, including by ZedaSoft as an integrated partner. It is a direct peer in delivering tactical military simulation software to defense customers, with overlapping UAS and rotorcraft simulation use cases.
• PLEXSYS Interface Products: PLEXSYS provides LVC communications, constructive simulation (ASCOT), and audio/video debriefing products integrated by ZedaSoft. Direct peer in the simulation framework and live-virtual-constructive interoperability layer, addressing similar DoD training customers.
• DiSTI Corporation: DiSTI's GL Studio is the leading tool for replicating high-fidelity cockpit displays in simulation, used by ZedaSoft for FAA 737Max and Garmin G1000 simulations. Direct peer in the cockpit/HMI software tooling layer serving defense and civil aviation simulation customers.
• Bugeye Technologies: Bugeye Technologies supplies Reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit Trainers (RVCT) and mixed reality rotorcraft cockpit systems, with a 15+ year teamed partnership with ZedaSoft on U.S. Army STE programs. Direct peer in reconfigurable military cockpit training hardware/software, addressing the same DoD end customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/zedasoft
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ZedaSoftVideos/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZedaSoftSimulationSolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zedasoft
• Instagraminstagram.com/zedasoft_inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Zeda Soft