AirplanePDQ

AirplanePDQ^TM is an airplane design and analysis tool specifically tailored for the experimental aircraft enthusiast.

You can use AirplanePDQ to:

• learn more about airplane design principles,
• experiment with airplane design ideas,
• analyze modifications to your existing airplane, design, or kit,
• or explore the full performance range of an existing plane, design or kit!

Overview

AirplanePDQ is a conceptual/preliminary design tool for light homebuilt and general aviation aircraft. It is specifically designed to be intuitive and easy to use by amateur airplane designers. AirplanePDQ includes tools for analyzing aircraft performance, handling, and stability and control as well as a CAD component for developing your aircraft drawings.  Initial airplane sizing is done rapidly using a wizard-based approach. The designer enters a few basic performance requirements, chooses from among a wide variety of aircraft configuration options (high wing or low wing, tricycle gear or tail-dragger, canard, three-surface, pusher, twin, etc...) and then the wizard performs sizing calculations and generates an initial three-view drawing of the aircraft based on the designer's inputs. Once the initial drawing has been generated, the designer can modify the design using the CAD engine to meet his or her needs. The analysis tools are then used in an iterative fashion to verify that the design is meeting the performance goals and determine what further changes to the design are needed for safety, handling qualities or performance reasons. The analysis tools not only generate detailed performance estimates, they also guide the designer in sizing and adjusting the configuration of the aircraft to help ensure that the design is safe and practical.

Availability

AirplanePDQ can be ordered for $199 ($149 until 8/15/08) via our web order form or by calling us at or for international callers).  AirplanePDQ was initially released in 2000 and has been under continuous development since that time.  

Software Requirements

The software requires Windows 98/NT 4.0/2000/Me/XP/Vista, and requires approximately 65 MB of disk space.  32-64 MB of RAM is recommended.