Press Releases

In a groundbreaking step toward the future of autonomous aviation, Merlin will leverage DiSTI Corporation’s GL Studio to develop interactive moving map displays for its autonomy system: the Merlin Pilot.

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The Merlin Pilot is a next-generation AI-powered system designed to manage all phases of flight across both military and civilian operations. From maintaining stability and navigation to executing mission-critical adjustments in severe weather or in response to emerging threats, the Merlin Pilot leverages advanced AI decision-making to ensure aircraft performance, safety, and mission effectiveness. With its ability to understand airspace rules, coordinate with air traffic control, and adapt to real-time contingencies, the Merlin Pilot is setting a new standard for assured autonomy in aviation.

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GL Studio is being used to build an autonomy centric human-machine interface that enables crew members to interact with the Merlin Pilot system via touchscreen and in conjunction with natural language processing. The interface will showcase a suite of interactive capabilities, including:

• A real-time 2D & 3D moving map display with various situational awareness overlays
• Multi-touch input functionality and soft key action buttons
• Integration with the high assurance Merlin Pilot Vehicle Management System (VMS)
• Visualization and interaction with audio input and outputs with natural language processing
• Interactive visualization of weather, terrain, and target data
• Dynamic computation and display of flight paths, including rerouting for weather and obstacles

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“Our assured autonomy system is designed to operate both onboard flight decks and remotely, with the goal of supporting crew workload reduction to enhance safety. GL Studio’s safety-critical software and DO-178C DAL A development, along with its ability to accelerate rapid prototyping and validation in our Virtual Test Environment, aligns directly with Merlin’s mission to deliver assured autonomy capabilities that make aerospace operations safer and more effective,” stated Tim Burns, Chief Technology Officer of Merlin.

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“GL Studio’s proven ability to deliver real-time, safety-critical interfaces aligns with Merlin’s assured autonomy initiatives,” said Chris Giordano, VP of UX/UI Technology at DiSTI. “We are proud to support Merlin in their mission to revolutionize aviation with AI-powered autonomy.”

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For more information about Merlin, visit https://merlinlabs.com.

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For individuals seeking to learn more about getting started with GL Studio or other software development solutions provided by DiSTI, please reach out to sales@disti.com

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The DiSTI Corporation, a leading provider of graphical User Interface (UI) development software, announced today that its GL Studio runtime engine has successfully renewed its ISO 26262 ASIL D certification. This renewal reinforces GL Studio’s position as the premier choice for developing safety-critical automotive displays, providing OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and safety compliance professionals with a reliable and trusted solution.

First accredited in 2015, GL Studio was the first solution in the market to achieve an ISO 26262 ASIL D rating for its embedded UI runtime library source code, the highest rating of safety criticality defined by the ISO 26262 standard. Certified by TÜV NORD (Certificate Registration No. 44 207 13082113), this recognition enables OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to certify their entire display frameworks using GL Studio.

The 2025 recertification of GL Studio comes at a time when an increasing number of automotive engineers are making the transition from general-purpose UI tools to GL Studio. This shift is driven by GL Studio’s proven safety-critical capabilities, which are becoming more crucial as vehicle technology evolves. Manufacturers are now prioritizing software platforms that meet the rigorous demands of functional safety while enabling high-performance, customizable user interfaces for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV).

“Building safe dashboard instrument clusters and heads-up displays for the automotive SDV market is seamless out of the box experience with GL Studio,” said Christopher Giordano, VP of UX/UI Technology at DiSTI. “GL Studio has long been relied upon in aerospace, and as the Software Defined Vehicle become more sophisticated and complex, utilizing a proven solution built on safety-critical principles for both Quality Managed (QM) and ASIL content makes sound business sense for everyone.”

The industry’s push toward certified user interfaces have intensified as global transportation safety commissions consider mandatory adoption of ISO 26262 standards. Initially released in 2011, ISO 26262 establishes the global benchmark for ensuring the functional safety of electrical and electronic systems in passenger vehicles. This growing emphasis on safety standards underscores the relevance and urgency of GL Studio’s renewed certification.

With digital, graphics-based SDVs rapidly replacing traditional instruments, the need for safety-critical embedded software is greater than ever. GL Studio’s renewed certification ensures automotive manufacturers can meet these requirements without sacrificing design flexibility or performance, helping to safeguard drivers while delivering next-generation in-vehicle experiences.

For more information on GL Studio or for more information on the solutions and services offered by DiSTI, contact us at sales@disti.com.

Visit our GL Studio page to learn more about our safety-critical expertise and the cutting-edge HMI software developed by The DiSTI Corporation.

The DiSTI Corporation proudly announces the appointment of Scott Ariotti as Director of Programs, following the retirement of longtime leader Tom Neary. Ariotti, with his extensive experience across the defense, aerospace, and digital training industries, steps into the role with a strong legacy of leadership at DiSTI.

Scott brings a deep reservoir of program management expertise and a proven record of impact to the role. Ariotti previously spent 14 years at DiSTI in multiple senior leadership positions, including Director of Business Development and Director of Global Marketing. During that time, he played a critical role in expanding the company’s commercial and defense training solutions, helping to scale DiSTI’s presence in the United States and internationally.

After his initial tenure at DiSTI, Ariotti went on to serve as Senior Solutions Partner – Digital Twin Solutions for Government and Defense at Unity Technologies, where he supported the development and integration of real-time 3D digital twin platforms for defense agencies. Most recently, he served as a Senior Program Manager at Capgemini, where he led large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

As Director of Programs, Scott will oversee the strategy and execution of DiSTI’s expanding suite of training and simulation solutions across both domestic and international arenas. Under his leadership, DiSTI will intensify its focus on delivering advanced mixed reality and 3D virtual maintenance training systems that serve a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from prominent automotive and aerospace manufacturers to defense agencies worldwide.

“Scott’s deep familiarity with DiSTI’s solutions, combined with his hands-on experience in the digital twin and defense training space, makes him the ideal leader to take our programs to the next level,” said John Hayward, CEO of The DiSTI Corporation. “As our footprint continues to grow across commercial and military sectors worldwide, Scott’s leadership will ensure our projects deliver impact and innovation at every level.”

Ariotti holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is actively involved in professional and community service. He currently serves as Vice President of Memberships for the Sunshine Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), while serving as Chair for Special Events for I/ITSEC, roles that reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting the military community and fostering industry collaboration.

Scott commented on his appointment: “I’m honored to build on Tom’s exceptional legacy and to return to DiSTI at a time of such exciting growth. As training and simulation technologies continue to evolve, DiSTI is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of global customers with cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions. I look forward to leading our exceptional teams as we continue delivering for our partners across defense and commercial sectors.”

If you’d like to learn more about the software development or training solutions provided by DiSTI, please email sales@disti.com.

The DiSTI Corporation has released VE Studio 6.0, the latest update to its virtual training development platform. This release delivers full parity between desktop and VR environments, introduces a new Explore Mode, and includes multiple performance, security, and usability improvements.

Introducing Explore Mode: Interactive 3D Model Inspection

The new Explore Mode gives users the ability to pause lessons and interact directly with 3D models. Instructors and students can manipulate components, rotate assemblies, create cutaways, and view cross-sections and exploded views, all without disrupting lesson progress. This feature offers a flexible way to inspect complex systems and better understand component relationships.

Complete VR/Desktop Parity Simplifies Development
With VE Studio 6.0, all functionality previously limited to desktop builds is now fully supported in VR. Developers can create lessons once and deploy them across multiple platforms, including Windows Desktop, wired VR, and mobile VR, without sacrificing features or functionality.

New Features and Enhancements:

• Explore Mode: Pause lessons and interact freely with 3D models, including cutaway views, cross-sections, and exploded assemblies.
• VR Component Locator, VR Fast-Find View, and VR Schematics: Simplify navigation and accelerate training workflows in VR environments.
• Updated Development Tools: Enhancements to the Requirements Analyzer, Fidelity Matrix UI, Test Driver, and Training Assistant provide a smoother development experience.

Improved Performance and Security
VE Studio 6.0 is now built on Unity 6, offering improved performance and compatibility with Windows 11. The DiSTI team also performed a full review of open-source libraries, removing outdated dependencies and addressing any identified security vulnerabilities.

Designed for Defense and Commercial Applications
For defense customers, Explore Mode allows instructors to demonstrate system internals and functionality in real-time, helping trainees grasp complex layouts and subsystems more easily. Commercial customers benefit from full VR support, which can build once and deploy across multiple devices and environments, meeting the increasing demand for scalable VR training solutions.

A Significant Milestone
VE Studio 6.0 is the first major release for the virtual training development platform since 2023. While VE Studio 6.0 concentrates on stability, platform parity, and feature enhancement, DiSTI continues to invest in future capabilities as part of its DiSTI Common Core architecture initiative, which will power upcoming releases.

If you’d like to learn more about VE Studio or other software development solutions provided by DiSTI, please reach out to sales@disti.com.

The DiSTI Corporation has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) to upgrade the Operator Maintainer Trainer (OMT) and Diagnostic Troubleshooting Trainers (DTT) for the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the Common Fire Control System (CFCS). This initiative will ensure that soldiers at Fort Sill and Fort Gregg-Adams Ordnance Schoolhouses receive the most effective and up-to-date training on the Army’s advanced fire control and chassis systems.

John Hayward, CEO of DiSTI, emphasized the importance of this initiative, “We appreciate this opportunity to extend the capabilities of the DiSTI-built HIMARS and MLRS OMTs and DTTs to provide training on the newest HIMARS and MLRS variants. Doing so enhances the Army’s ability to maintain operational dominance and increase U.S. Army warfighter readiness. This project reinforces our commitment to providing the most effective and immersive training solutions for today’s soldiers, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges of modern warfare.”

This project underscores the Army’s commitment to warfighter readiness through immersive virtual training. It provides a cost-effective and scalable solution for training 13M and 94P Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) in critical operational and maintenance procedures.

Enhancing Warfighter Readiness Through Immersive Virtual Training

Under this initiative, DiSTI will upgrade the current MLRS OMT and DTT software, ensuring it reflects the latest work packages for the M270A2 chassis and CFCS. These software updates will integrate seamlessly with the Army’s existing HIMARS/MLRS training systems, allowing operators and maintainers to train on both legacy and modernized platforms.

By leveraging the existing Cybersecurity Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements under the HIMARS/MLRS Authority to Operate (ATO), DiSTI will ensure that the upgraded system remains compliant with Army cybersecurity standards. The new training configurations will also be added to the Army Portfolio Management Solution (APMS) training module, further streamlining accessibility and scalability for Army training programs.

These enhancements will allow students to replicate real-world tactical training scenarios on the M270A2 platform, mirroring the exact procedures used on operational systems. Soldiers will gain hands-on experience in:

• Driver’s duties at the firing point
• Driver’s duties during reload operations
• Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)

A New Era of HIMARS and MLRS Training

In addition to modernizing M270A2 training, this project will introduce a new version of the HIMARS OMT and DTT, enabling simulation of both the legacy and upgraded Common Fire Control Systems (CFCS). This approach ensures that HIMARS operators and maintainers are trained effectively on current and future fire control configurations, maximizing adaptability and operational readiness in evolving battlefield environments.

If you’d like to learn more about Virtual Maintenance Training or other software development solutions provided by DiSTI please reach out to sales@disti.com.

REGENT Craft, the Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders, announced today it has partnered with leading training provider FAAC Incorporated to develop a training program for Viceroy seaglider crews. FAAC’s efforts will include instructional design; curriculum development; the design, development, and production of training simulators; and the staffing and management of the training staff.

“Ensuring a competent and capable crew is critical to safe, efficient, reliable seaglider operations,” said Ted Lester, VP of Certification at REGENT. “We look forward to working with FAAC to set a new global standard for seaglider operations, ensuring crews around the world receive consistent, high-quality instruction to operate safely and effectively in any environment.”

The training program will be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in the U.S. and by flag-state authorities outside the U.S. Like for other high-speed craft, maritime captains will receive a type rating specific to seagliders. This approach ensures alignment with established maritime standards and prepares crew for the unique performance and handling characteristics of these next-generation vessels.

“We’re proud to be selected as REGENT’s training solution partner to shape the training foundation for this groundbreaking new mode of maritime transportation,” said Kurt Flosky, President of FAAC. “By leveraging our deep experience in simulation-based training, we’re ensuring seaglider crews are mission-ready—well-prepared to operate safely, confidently, and consistently from day one.”

Training Providers
FAAC has assembled and will oversee a team of major proven providers who will contribute to the training program development and implementation.

DiSTI, a courseware and virtual training development company that specializes in virtual systems training and brings in-depth experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense, will develop certified training courses and create a state-of-the-art Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) to enhance hands-on learning. Additionally, DiSTI will integrate a commercial Learning Management System (LMS) to streamline training operations and ensure continuous course updates throughout the contract period.

Roush Industries, a complete services provider to the mobility, aerospace, and marine industries, will design and build the simulator’s training cockpit using their extensive product development and specialty systems construction expertise and over three decades of supporting FAAC’s fabrication needs.

Training Process
The training program includes a comprehensive blend of online modules, in-person classroom instruction, and hands-on simulator sessions over a period of five to six weeks. This multi-faceted approach ensures that seaglider crew members build a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge, gain practical skills in a controlled environment, and are fully prepared for real-world operations. Seaglider training courses will be based upon established International Maritime Organization (IMO) and U.S. guidelines for high-speed craft and wing-in-ground-effect craft training.

Operators will attend in-person training at REGENT’s headquarters in Rhode Island. REGENT plans to expand internationally as global operations grow.

Seaglider Crew
Viceroy seagliders will typically have a two-person crew, including a captain and a watch officer.

Captain: The seaglider captain holds overall command of the vessel, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. They are responsible for legal compliance, navigation, communications, and operation of key systems. The captain also oversees passenger and cargo handling, maintains a constant bridge watch, and leads emergency response efforts. Seaglider captains will enter the training program with an existing Master’s credential for operating similarly sized commercial vessels.

Watch officer: The optional watch officer supports vessel operations underway by assisting with navigation, communications, and collision avoidance, and may operate controls under the captain’s direction. They handle lines during docking and manage passenger safety onboard—securing cargo, ensuring seatbelts are fastened, and assisting in emergencies.

Technician: On-shore seaglider technicians are responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and troubleshooting critical vessel systems.

Pathway to Seaglider Certification
Seagliders are certified as maritime vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard in the U.S. and by flag-stage maritime regulators outside the U.S.

REGENT has submitted its Viceroy Design Basis Agreement (DBA) with the U.S. Coast Guard and expects approval mid-year. Developed over months of collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, the DBA ensures the Viceroy meets or exceeds required safety standards.

The U.S. Coast Guard previously approved REGENT’s Navigational Safety Risk Assessment for its Viceroy prototype, allowing REGENT to test its full-scale seaglider prototype in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. Sea trials of the prototype are currently ongoing.

For those seeking to learn more about the solutions provided by DiSTI, please reach out to sales@disti.com.