What Applied Ballistics does

Applied Ballistics is a privately-held ballistics technology company founded in 2006 and headquartered in Howard City, Michigan (Indiana corporate domicile), with a team of 1-10 employees across multiple Indiana-domiciled entities (Applied Ballistics Inc., Applied Ballistics Holdings Inc., Applied Ballistics LLC, nVision Technology Inc., Applied Ballistics Training Division Inc., and the affiliated nVisti LLC). The company produces external ballistics software and data products that compute long-range firing solutions for precision shooters, hunters, military, and law enforcement users. Its scientific core is a Doppler Radar-validated library of Custom Drag Models for 850+ bullets, generated through more than a decade of controlled live-fire testing at the Applied Ballistics Laboratory and a Mobile Doppler radar lab that operates at partner range events.

Applied Ballistics' product surface centers on the AB Quantum™ iOS/Android platform (launched 2025), which integrates the ballistics solver with profile management, Weapon Employment Zone (WEZ) statistical analysis, the AB Spotter AI assistant, Custom Drag Factor calibration, chronograph integration, and AB Quantum Sync cloud backup across 50+ Bluetooth-enabled devices. It is complemented by AB Analytics desktop software (Windows/Mac), the AB Profile Loader, and a Custom Drag Model bullet library distributed through the AB Connect system. The company monetizes primarily via OEM embedding of its solver into third-party hardware — Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meters, Garmin Foretrex 701, Sig Sauer BDX, Bushnell Nitro 1800, Vortex Fury HD 5000 AB, RAPTAR-S, Wilcox devices, and the DARPA Computational Weapon Optic — alongside Freemium mobile apps with paid upgrades, AB Analytics desktop licenses, professional training through the Applied Ballistics Training Division (ABTD, in partnership with Accuracy 1st), and ballistic testing services for ammunition partners including Berger Bullets. Strategic Co-development partnerships with Berger Bullets, nVisti LLC, and Accuracy 1st anchor its R&D, training, and ammunition-validation pipelines, while its leadership team is concentrated around founder and Chief Ballistician Bryan Litz, COO Christopher Palka, and Principal Engineer Nick Vitalbo.

Name

Applied Ballistics

Legal name

Applied Ballistics Inc.

Website

https://appliedballisticsllc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Applied Ballistics builds external-ballistics solvers and a Doppler-validated Custom Drag Model library for 850+ bullets, delivered via the AB Quantum mobile platform, OEM-embedded hardware (Kestrel, Garmin, Sig Sauer, Bushnell, Vortex), and defense programs including the DARPA Computational Weapon Optic, serving long-range shooters, hunters, military, and law enforcement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Howard City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Embedded Device Licensing: Applied Ballistics ballistics engine is embedded into third-party hardware devices including Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meters, Garmin Foretrex 701, Sig BDX rangefinders and scopes, Bushnell Nitro 1800, RAPTAR-S, and DARPA Computational Weapon Optic. Revenue generated through licensing agreements with device manufacturers.
2. Mobile Applications: AB Quantum app is free to download with revenue generated through software upgrades, license management, and premium features. The company also develops companion apps for integrated devices (Kestrel LiNK Ballistics, Sig Sauer BDX, Bushnell Ballistics).
3. Desktop Software: AB Analytics (Windows/Mac) desktop application provides comprehensive ballistic calculations. Revenue from software licenses and upgrades.
4. Professional Training Services: Applied Ballistics Training Division (ABTD) provides training seminars for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters on long-range external ballistics. Training is offered through partnerships including Accuracy 1st.
5. Ballistic Testing Services: The company operates a ballistics laboratory supporting Berger Bullets and select partners with regular ballistic testing services. Mobile lab services offered at partnered range day events.
6. E-commerce Store: Direct sales of products through thescienceofaccuracy.com/store/ including books (Ballistic Performance of Rifle Bullets 3rd Edition), apparel, merchandise, training materials, and ammunition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Applied Ballistics develops and sells a proprietary external ballistics solver (AB Quantum mobile app for iOS/Android, AB Analytics desktop software, and the Applied Ballistics Profile Loader) backed by Doppler Radar-validated Custom Drag Models for 850+ bullets. Its solver is embedded into OEM hardware (Kestrel, Garmin, Sig Sauer, Bushnell, Vortex, Wilcox, RAPTAR-S, and DARPA devices), and the company delivers professional consulting, mobile lab Doppler radar testing, and training seminars through its Training Division (ABTD) for military, law enforcement, and civilian long-range shooters.

Product overview

Applied Ballistics is a ballistics technology company offering a unified ecosystem centered on its flagship AB Quantum platform. The core portfolio includes mobile apps (AB Quantum for iOS/Android), desktop software (AB Analytics for Windows/Mac), profile management tools (Profile Loader), and cloud services (AB Quantum Sync). The company provides specialized data products including a Bullet Library of 815+ bullets with Custom Drag Models, supported by live-fire testing via its Mobile Doppler radar lab. Integration partnerships embed the AB solver into third-party hardware (Kestrel weather meters, Garmin GPS units, Sig Sauer and Bushnell rangefinders/scopes, RAPTAR-S) and companion apps. The ecosystem is complemented by educational resources (AB Learn), AI assistance (AB Spotter), and professional services including consulting and training through the Applied Ballistics Training Division.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AB Quantum: State-of-the-art platform integrating the most complete ballistics solver and profile management tool for long-range shooting, featuring iOS and Android apps with Bluetooth device integration.
• AB Analytics
• AB Mobile
• Applied Ballistics Training Division (ABTD)
• The Science of Accuracy

Products and services

• AB Quantum™ Flagship mobile ballistic solver and profile management platform for iOS and Android, integrating Applied Ballistics' complete ballistics solver, weapon and ammo profile management, AI-powered AB Spotter assistant, WEZ analysis, CDF calibration, cloud sync, and Bluetooth connectivity to 50+ partner devices. Targeted at long-range precision shooters, hunters, and industry partners.
• AB Analytics Desktop ballistics application for Windows and Mac that uses the Applied Ballistics solver to calculate trajectories based on G1/G7 BCs and the full library of custom drag models. Marketed as the ultimate desktop ballistics program for serious long-range shooters.
• Applied Ballistics Profile Loader Free software utility for building, managing, and editing weapon and ammo profiles for Applied Ballistics integrated devices including the Garmin Foretrex 701, Kestrel weather meters, RAPTAR-S, ABREM, and other AB-enabled devices. Includes the Custom Drag Model library.
• Mobile Lab Doppler Radar Testing Service offering in which Applied Ballistics deploys a free-standing mobile Doppler radar system to partnered range day events and external consultations to determine custom drag curves for any conventional small arms weapon system. Available to individual shooters, industry partners, and event organizers.
• Ballistics Consulting Services Professional ballistic consulting services supporting military, law enforcement, and industry partners, including software integration consulting, ballistic testing, and training seminars delivered through the Applied Ballistics Training Division (ABTD) in partnership with Accuracy 1st.
• Ballistic Performance of Rifle Bullets (3rd Edition) Comprehensive reference book containing ballistic performance data, dimensional drawings, drag data, and stability information for 720+ long-range bullets, sold directly through the company's e-commerce store as a printed publication.
• Custom Drag Model (CDM) / Bullet Library Library of 815+ tested bullets with Doppler Radar-measured drag data, stability maps, dimensional drawings, and bullet data sheets, distributed as data content via the AB solver, AB Connect system, AB apps, AB Analytics, and embedded OEM devices.
• Custom Drag Factor (CDF) Calibration Service Service-enabled capability for shooters to fine-tune Custom Drag Models and BCs using chronograph data (e.g., Garmin Xero C1, Optex Systems SpeedTracker) for superior alignment of drag models with specific weapon systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• 850+ bullets characterized with Doppler Radar-measured drag data
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and flagship.

• Berger BulletscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing strategic partnership where Applied Ballistics Laboratory supports Berger Bullets with regular ballistic testing services. Bryan Litz serves as the company's ballistician and has authored the Berger Bullets Reloading Manual. Berger ammunition is developed using AB ballistics methodology.
• nVisti, LLCcoreTechnology or IntegrationProduct development partnership with nVisti, led by Principal Engineer Nick Vitalbo. nVisti develops cutting-edge products for professional shooters leveraging the science of accuracy. nVisti LLC is a service provider disclosed in AB Quantum privacy policy.
• Accuracy 1stcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Accuracy 1st, operated by Todd Hodnett (leading sniper instructor). Applied Ballistics Training Division (ABTD) partners with Accuracy 1st for training delivery. The Accuracy 1st Whiz Wheel was developed by Bryan Litz for Todd Hodnett.
• Kestrel (NKi Brands)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerApplied Ballistics solver embedded into Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meters (5700 Elite, 5700 X) and Kestrel DROP data loggers. Kestrel devices with AB software provide weather measurement and ballistics calculation in rugged portable form factors.
• Sig SauercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSig Sauer BDX (Ballistic Data Xchange) system integrates AB solver into Kilo rangefinders and BDX riflescopes. System uses Bluetooth to illuminate exact holdover dots based on ballistic calculations. Available as integrated kits.
• BushnellcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBushnell Nitro 1800 rangefinder powered by Applied Ballistics, providing ballistic solutions to 800+ yards with Bluetooth connectivity to Bushnell Ballistic app and Kestrel devices.
• GarmincoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAB Elite software embedded into Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition wrist-mounted GPS. Device provides ballistic calculations alongside navigation functions for military-standard durable GPS.
• Vortex OpticsstrategicOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVortex Fury HD 5000 AB rangefinder integrates Applied Ballistics Elite solver with in-display ballistic data and environmental sensors. Connects with FURY HD app and Kestrel/Garmin devices.
• WilcoxstrategicOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerWilcox Ballistics mobile application developed for Wilcox Industries products, providing ballistic solutions for military and professional applications.
• RAPTAR-SstrategicOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerApplied Ballistics solver integrated into RAPTAR-S laser rangefinder system, providing advanced targeting capabilities for military and precision shooting applications.
• DARPAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDARPA Computational Weapon Optic project features Applied Ballistics embedded ballistics engine. This flagship defense project demonstrates the company's advanced targeting technology capabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ShootersCalculator.com: ShootersCalculator provides free online and mobile ballistic solutions for long-range shooters, competing for the same external ballistics user with comparable trajectory and wind-corrected firing-solution functionality.
• Hornady Ballistic Calculator: Hornady, a major ammunition manufacturer, offers its own ballistic calculators (web and app) and reference data for shooters. It targets the same ballistic-solver user with bundled ballistics content plus ammunition data.
• BulletFlight: BulletFlight is a mobile ballistic calculator available on iOS, offering trajectory computation features aimed at long-range precision shooters in direct overlap with Applied Ballistics' mobile solver apps.
• JBM Ballistics: JBM Ballistics provides a long-standing free online external ballistics calculator for rifle shooters, directly overlapping Applied Ballistics' ballistic-solver software offering for the same recreational and competitive long-range shooter customer base.
• Strelok Ballistic Calculator: Strelok is a widely used mobile ballistic calculator app on iOS and Android, offering trajectory, wind, and environmental corrections in a similar product category and price tier to AB Quantum.

Broad incumbents

• Sig Sauer (BDX optics): Sig Sauer, a firearms and optics OEM partner using the AB solver in BDX scopes and Kilo rangefinders, is a broad incumbent whose riflescopes and rangefinders overlap with AB-powered smart-optic shooter experiences.
• Bushnell (Nitro / Ballistics app): Bushnell, an OEM partner embedding the AB solver into the Nitro 1800 rangefinder, is a broad incumbent in hunting and shooting optics with rifle scopes, rangefinders, and a companion ballistics app competing in adjacent shooter-tool workflows.
• Garmin (Foretrex / Tactix line): Garmin is a major GPS/navigation incumbent with AB-embedded Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition and other rugged navigation tools offering ballistic features within a much broader consumer and outdoor electronics portfolio.
• Kestrel Ballistics (NK Kestrel): Kestrel Ballistics, an OEM partner that embeds the Applied Ballistics solver in its weather meters, is a broader incumbent in environmental/ballistic instrumentation with overlapping but wider-portfolio capabilities that compete for the same shooters.

Others

• LabRadar (ELAN): LabRadar produces Doppler-radar ballistic chronographs used by shooters and laboratories to capture velocity data - directly comparable to Applied Ballistics' mobile Doppler-radar laboratory capability and the Garmin Xero C1 integration story.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/llcapplied
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/applied-ballistics-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 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 Applied Ballistics