Press Releases

The DiSTI Corporation, the world’s leading provider of virtual training solutions, in partnership with JF Taylor, announced the launch of the CH-47 Chinook Mixed-Reality (MR) Maintenance Trainer. This groundbreaking system combines real aircraft hardware with immersive virtual simulation to deliver scalable, cost-effective maintenance training for military technicians.

Developed to address the high cost and limited accessibility of traditional maintenance devices, the MR system integrates DiSTI’s VE Studio platform with JF Taylor’s ruggedized hardware expertise to provide hands-on realism and procedural depth in a compact, deployable footprint. The trainer enables tactile interaction with repurposed CH-47 Control Display Units (CDUs), whether functional or non-functional, embedded within a fully interactive digital cockpit environment.

A key benefit of this approach is the significant reduction in hardware dependency and infrastructure requirements. Traditional full-scale maintenance trainers often require operational aircraft components and dedicated physical space, limiting availability and increasing cost. This MR trainer operates with legacy hardware, either functional or non-functional, extending the lifecycle value of existing assets and reducing the total cost of ownership.

“This solution represents a major step forward in how defense organizations and the military approach technical training,” said John Hayward, CEO of The DiSTI Corporation. “By combining physical aircraft components with a dynamic virtual environment, we’ve created a scalable platform that delivers realistic practice and data-driven performance insights, without the logistical challenges of traditional full-scale trainers.”

Blending Realism with Flexibility

The MR trainer allows students to interact with authentic controls while executing preflight, postflight, operation, and maintenance procedures in a high-fidelity virtual model. The system records user actions in real time, enabling both automated performance analytics and instructor-guided feedback.

The system’s compact footprint allows it to be deployed in distributed training environments with limited space or logistical support, making it especially useful for sustainment and field-based training. Multiple units can operate concurrently, increasing throughput without requiring additional aircraft or simulator bays.

Proven Benefits and Real-World Impact

From a learning standpoint, the combined physical-virtual interaction improves student engagement, learning, and retention. Research in the field of human performance and technical training supports the effectiveness of multimodal instruction inbuilding procedural memory and diagnostic capability. The DiSTI MR trainer supports this by engaging both cognitive and motor functions through realistic interfaces and interactive visualization.

Instructor feedback gathered during early evaluations indicates that students are more confident and better prepared when transitioning to live equipment after using the MR system. Performance data collected during sessions has also been used to refine lesson pacing, reduce training time, and improve remediation strategies.

“Partnering with DiSTI allowed us to merge our systems integration expertise with DiSTI’s proven VE Studio technology,” said Chris Wasniak, COO of JF Taylor. “The result is a rugged, adaptable trainer that gives maintainers a realistic, tactile experience anywhere, whether in a classroom, in the field, or on deployment which drives readiness into our warfighters.”

If you would like to learn more about JF Taylor’s capabilities and solutions, please visit www.jfti.com

For individuals seeking to learn more about Virtual Maintenance Training and the solutions provided by DiSTI, please reach out to sales@disti.com

The DiSTI Corporation, a leading provider of graphical user interface development tools and immersive training solutions, has announced that it has been awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide complex media and computer-based training (CBT) solutions for the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE). This contract supports the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) goals of transitioning and integrating innovative technologies into the market as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III program.

This contract is a significant milestone in DiSTI's mission, supporting the life-cycle development, production, and modernization of complex media and computer-based training (CBT) solutions for the Navy’s pilots, aircrew, and aviation maintenance personnel. The award allows DiSTI to deliver cutting-edge training products that enhance readiness across the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies.

Under the terms of the agreement, DiSTI will design, develop, and implement a variety of advanced media solutions. These include Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), PC-based simulations, desktop trainers, and Extended Reality (XR) applications. The project also encompasses the creation of highly interactive 2D and 3D models, instructional videos, conceptual animations, and serious gaming environments tailored to the evolving needs of naval aviation.

“At DiSTI, we are honored to expand our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy through this award,” said John Hayward, CEO of DiSTI. “Our VE Studio platform will play a central role in enabling the rapid, scalable, and cost-effective development of training systems that prepare warfighters for mission success. This contract reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that improve training effectiveness and operational readiness.”

DiSTI’s VE Studio is the industry’s preeminent virtual training development platform for both military and commercial applications. It enables organizations to streamline the creation and deployment of immersive training environments through an automated, model-based approach. By leveraging VE Studio, the Navy and Marine Corps will experience faster delivery of complex training systems, reduced development costs, and increased flexibility to modernize training as mission requirements change.

The Complex Media IDIQ will not only serve the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation communities but also Carrier Strike Groups, international programs, and other DoD agencies that require next-generation training solutions. With this award, DiSTI continues its role as a trusted partner in providing mission-critical training capabilities to the nation’s warfighters.

For individuals seeking to learn more about Virtual Maintenance Training and the solutions provided by DiSTI, please reach out to sales@disti.com

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DiSTI has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by The Orlando Top Workplaces 2025. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Founded in Orlando in 1994, DiSTI has built a reputation as a leader in simulation and training technology for both defense and commercial markets. The company’s flagship software, VE Studio and its GL Studio toolkit are used worldwide to deliver immersive training solutions and advanced graphical user interfaces.

“We are honored to be recognized year after year as a Top Workplace,” said Jen Harding, head of Human Resources at DiSTI. “At DiSTI, we know that our people are our greatest strength, and this recognition validates our efforts to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and respect. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years ahead.”

As the company continues to grow, DiSTI remains dedicated to providing its team with opportunities for professional development, work-life balance, and a workplace culture that inspires creativity and excellence.

For individuals seeking to learn more about opportunities to work at DiSTI or the company’s software development solutions, please visit www.disti.com

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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.