RDS-STUDENT:

Software for Aircraft Design, Sizing, & Performance

This is an unusual aircraft design package for use on MS-DOS/Windows systems; it also will run under any version of Windows. Its purpose is to teach the elements of aircraft design as presented in the text Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach. This package is capable of a thorough analysis and synthesis of an aircraft design at the engineering student level (a professional version, RDS-Professional is available). Nevertheless, a perfectly sound and airworthy design can be produced with this version, right down to spin performance! Of course, it doesn't approach the fine level of CAD/CAE analysis that the latest integrated CATIA system can produce, but the process is similar to current professional aircraft engineering methods. An airfoil library and airfoil design tools are included. The user is taken through the following steps:
  • Analysis:
    • Aerodynamics
    • Weights
    • Propulsion
    • Aircraft data files
    • Sizing
    • Performance
    • Cost Analysis
  • Design Layout:
    • Non-surface components (e.g. non-flight surfaces)
    • Surface components (e.g. wings, tails, and their related airfoils). This section includes airfoil selection, revision, and design options.
    • Assembly of components
    • Viewing and presentation of assembled components
  • Trade Studies:
    • This section is where the design is sharpened for production. What happens to the tail if the wingspan is decreased, or if the installed engine is heavier than planned for initially, etc ...
System Requirements: Any version of MS-DOS, DR-DOS or Windows.