Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100)

Simplified Technical English (STE)

ASD-STE100 is a simplified technical vocabulary developed by the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) to write Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs) for Air, Land, Sea and Space vehicles. The S1000D standard mandates STE documentation for NATO interoperability, terminology standardization and safety.

Click to see a real STE example Before and After

The ASD-STE100 STE vocabulary has a core of approximately 1,000 key words, 208 verbs and Simplified English grammar rules.

Our SMART aerospace team developed a Controlled English vocabulary for the US Satellite Control Network (SCN). The vocabulary includes standardized terms for network software, maintenance, pre-launch checks, telemetry (TT&C), LEO Satellite mission success. Results: Mitigation of risk and expensive damage caused by human error.

Boeing Forecest

Here are the 2026 Boeing global workforce requirements, North America 119,000 pilots, 123,000 technicians and 193,000 cabin crew. South East Asia 550,000 personnel through 2044.

The SMART MAXit Checker is used on Northrop Grumman E-2D (US Navy), Textron drones, (US Army) and an aircraft for NATO interoperability. Our team received this Medallion of Excellence for dictionary development, MAXit Checker software and STE writer training seminars.

Our MAXit Checker is an AI Assistant that uses 19,000+ AI rules or inferences to validate technical documentation for ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English compliance and air safety regulations. The use of STE is mandated by Airbus, Boeing and other airframers. The MAXit Checker is a plug-in to Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, PTC Arbortext Editor, XMetaL Author and database APIs. The SMART team offers text mining services for the fast development of curated technical dictionaries.
Click for information about our MAXit Starter Kit.

SMART Aerospace and Defense Team

Text Mining Our experts have many years of experience in Aerospace and Defense in the USA, Europe, UK, Canada, Asia-Pacific and Australia. We understand Military and NATO Specifications S1000D, ATA2200, ASD-STE100, STANAG 4586, MIL-STD-40051B, DO-178C, .xml, .dita, .sgml, IETM and ITAR compliance.

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

The curated dictionaries in the MAXit Checker are ideal to write Safety Management documents for eVTOLs, 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.

Government Mandates for STE

The use of STE to write technical manuals and IETMs is mandated by government defense organizations to promote interoperability, speed and efficiency maintenance. The Australian Government mandates STE and STEM to expand their skilled workforce.

This example shows the original English and rewrite into ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English (STE). For clarity, the rewrite uses the step and action format and an accurate count of the bolts, as stated in the NTSB Accident Report. This STE example shows how the simplification prevents expensive errors human errors.

Automated Language Translations

If a convenience translation is permitted there are computer-aided language translation tools that can create accurate, lower-cost, translations from the STE source text. The convenience translation of the STE version helps the global MRO workforce to solve the shortage of aviation technicians.

Tools for Digital Transformation

Simplified Technical 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 Editor), Nvidia (PTX and NIMs) and other publishing systems.

MAXit Checker Versions

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

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 get a copy of the ASD-STE Specification.

SDV Automotive Software

SDV see Controlled English

Software and AI Services

Software Documentation and Training

Transportation - Rail Systems

FRA compliance for high-speed trains

Military and Defense

S1000D, S3000L, ITAR, Mil-Spec

Airlines and Aerospace

STE Compliance software

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.