Success Story

LOCATION

CO

Lakewood

TOTAL FUNDING

$7.4M

FUNDING AGENCIES

DoW - ARMY

Department of War: Army

DoW - NAVY

Department of War: Navy

DoW - USSAF

Department of War: Air Force

Impact & Achievement

As global defense forces continue to modernize training and readiness, Pathfinder Systems, Inc. is at the forefront—delivering high-fidelity aircrew training systems that combine technical precision with operational realism. A veteran-owned small business based in Colorado, Pathfinder supports the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Royal Netherlands Air Force, and others with simulators designed specifically for crew chiefs, gunners, and loadmasters. Unlike pilot training systems, Pathfinder’s solutions emphasize full-motion interaction with equipment, immersive audio, and true-to-life physical effects like recoil and aerodynamic forces, all while accommodating the gear crews actually wear in the field.

Pathfinder’s ability to replicate complex flight environments—including accurate control placement, responsive weapon systems, and detailed soundscapes—has made them a trusted name in defense simulation. Their trainers are often convertible between aircraft types, a cost-saving innovation that helps customers maximize value on constrained budgets.

SBIR funding has played a critical role in this progress. Initial projects enabled Pathfinder to expand its capabilities and explore new markets, while SBIR data rights protections gave the company a clear path to sole-source contracts—streamlining procurement and improving time-to-field for mission-critical systems. Participation in SBIR events also opened doors to new customers across the government and industry landscape. The program helped Pathfinder build relationships with a range of defense firms, from small businesses to major primes, broadening their collaborative reach and technical scope.

One of Pathfinder’s latest SBIR efforts, funded by the U.S. Air Force, explores cutting-edge detect-and-avoid and passive targeting capabilities for aircraft. Though the technology is still in development, Pathfinder has already begun testing a prototype solution in partnership with Draken International and Sierra Olympia—demonstrating their continued ability to bring new concepts into the field through early-stage innovation.

In recognition of their contributions and entrepreneurial impact, Pathfinder Systems received both the prestigious Tibbetts Award and the SBA Region 8 Exporter of the Year designation. These accolades reflect not just the quality of their technical work, but also their broader success in scaling solutions, building partnerships, and advancing national security objectives.

With SBIR support, Pathfinder Systems has moved beyond simulation—they’ve built a platform for long-term innovation, delivering training technologies that prepare crews for the realities of modern operations while pushing the boundaries of what defense systems can achieve.

https://www.pathfindersystems.com/