Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100)

MAXit for SE


The MAXit Checker is Agentic AI that uses 19,000+ AI inferences to control and correct errors in technical documentation. Our Agentic AI is a plug-in (API) for Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, PTC Arbortext Editor and databases.
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 Simplified Technical English (STE)

AirLandSea ASD-STE100 is a Simplified Technical Vocabulary developed by the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD). STE is designed to help technical writers and engineers write Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs) for Air, Land, Sea and Space vehicles. The STE standard is part of the S1000D documentation standard required for space vehicles, commercial and military aircraft, airline maintenance, all types of ships, military tanks, radars and military assets. The STE vocabulary has a Core of 1,000 key words and a set of simplified grammar rules to write clear, concise instructions. The SMART team offers services to create product dictionaries.
STE instructions are used by maintainers in 149 countries. The use of STE is mandated at Airbus, Textron Aviation, Safran, Boeing, Pilatus, BAE Systems, NATO, Honeywell, RTX, Northrop Grumman and aerospace and defense suppliers.

 SMART Aerospace and Defense Team

Text Mining Our experts have many years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry in the USA, Europe, UK, Canada, Asia-Pacific and Australia. We understand NATO and U.S. Military Specifications, including S1000D, ATA2200, DO-178C, Mil Spec, QA, .xml, .dita, .sgml, IETM and ITAR compliance.

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Flying Taxis The MAXit Checker includes a curated dictionary for eVTOLs, SATCOM, rocket and electrical propulsion systems, air navigation, flight operations and airline customer experience.

SMART Sherlock for ITAR Compliance

Text Mining An audit version of the MAXit Checker uses AI rules to read and redact text for ITAR compliance. The Sherlock version scans .xml documentation and automatically redacts (hides) classified information.

 Automated Language Translations

Simplified Technical English is the legal language for aviation documentation.
However, agentic AI can create fast, low-cost, translations for faster training. These convenience translations expand the global workforce to solve the shortage of aviation technicians.

 Digital Transformation

Text Mining Simplified English is ideal for Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) that are distributed electronically to global users.

Our technology partners are Adobe (FrameMaker), Microsoft (Word), IBM WatsonX, Siemens (Teamcenter), PTC (Arbortext), ServiceNow, Nvidia (NIMs) and other publishing systems.


 MAXit Checker Versions

Click a version to download (.pdf) Data Sheet.
MAXit Versions

Starter Kit The Starter Kit includes a MAXit Checker license, core dictionary and our starter aviation dictionary. All dictionaries are easy to customize for Air, Land, Sea and Space.

Contact us to learn where to get the ASD-STE and S1000D Specifications.
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Related Topics


Trends for Simplification

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Military and Defense

Airlines and Aerospace



Benefits of STE

  • Technical information that is easy-to-read and understand.
  • Reaches a global audience with less words.
  • Allows Limited English Proficiency readability.
  • Easy to adapt to other industries, ex. semiconductors.
  • Replaces complex ideas with common language.
  • Uses a small vocabulary for faster training.
  • Identifies key words to avoid product liability.
  • Promotes short sentences for easier comprehension.
  • Allows for long-form and short-form abbreviations.
  • Makes the editing of machine translation easy.
  • Uses active voice, where possible.
  • Uses bulleted list format.
  • Makes the conversion to .dita and .xml easier.
  • Replaces nice-to-know with need-to-know.
  • Removes jargon, idioms and engineering-ese.
  • Uses standardized engineering nomenclature.
  • Simplifies the text through 208 key verbs.
  • Allows a consistent style across company documents.
  • Includes variant spelling, British and American.
  • Simplifies English verb conjugation for English learners.
  • Uses simplified grammar, syntax and style.
  • Uses the principle of ONE WORD-ONE MEANING.
  • Decreases rework, waste and extra Truck Rolls
  • Promotes clear language for critical instructions.
  • Allows the use of trademarks, brands and proper nouns.
  • Removes all gender-related terms for neutral language.
  • Makes the teaching of Technical English easier.
  • Improves the accuracy of voice-to-speech output.
  • Improves readability on mobile devices and tablets.
  • Avoids the need for some language translation.
  • Proven for technical communications in 149 countries.
  • Encourages clear, concise, easy-to-read English.