Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to buy anything else to run AirplanePDQ?
2. Can I export my drawings to another CAD package or import existing drawings into AirplanePDQ?
3. Can I use AirplanePDQ to do other types of CAD drawings?
4. Do you support jet engines, twin engine, biplane, flying wing, or three surface configurations??
5. Which airfoils does AirplanePDQ support?  Where can I find data for my particular airfoil?
6. Does your software do structural analysis and design?
7. Does your software generate 3D drawings?
8. Does your software work with helicopters?
9. Does your software work with Macs or under Linux?
10. How do I get software updates and upgrades?

Do I have to buy anything else to run AirplanePDQ?

No.  AirplanePDQ is a standalone program and does not require any other software to execute.  However, our Airfoil Optimizer software is a very nice companion product.

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Can I export my drawings to another CAD package or import existing drawings into AirplanePDQ?

AirplanePDQ uses the AutoCAD DWG format as its native format and also imports and exports DXF files well.  You can import your existing drawings into AirplanePDQ drawings to use as templates and add additional detail. However, AirplanePDQ drawings use various layers to implement the 3 view drawings and also tags the many of the drawing entities with additional data to keep track of additional design parameters. That means that if you want to use the analysis features of AirplanePDQ you have to start with the sketch generated by the AirplanePDQ wizard. You can't start with existing drawings.

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Can I use AirplanePDQ to do other types of CAD drawings?

Yes, AirplanePDQ includes an significant amount of CAD or drawing functionality and can be used for other types of drawings.

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Do you support jet engines, twin engine, biplane, flying wing, or three surface configurations??

Yes, all of these are supported.

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Which airfoils does AirplanePDQ support? Where can I find data for my particular airfoil?

AirplanePDQ currently includes data on 125 different airfoil sections.  These are primarily NACA designed sections.  Our Airfoil Optimizer software provides a greater selection of airfoils (330 different designs) and this data can be exported from Airfoil Optimizer to use with AirplanePDQ.

If you are interested in an airfoil that is not currently in our database, our user's guide includes information on the required data necessary to add additional airfoils to the database.   

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Does your software do structural analysis and design?

You can draw the structural details of your design in AirplanePDQ using the built-in drawing functionality.  However, AirplanePDQ does not do any structural analysis or sizing.  Instead, AirplanePDQ's analysis features currently focus on  initial sizing, weight and balance, aircraft performance, and longitudinal stability.

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Does your software generate 3D drawings?

Yes it does.  Editing of the design takes place using 3-view drawings (top, side, front views) of the aircraft rather than in true 3D for simplicity. The software then creates a 3D view from the 3-view drawings.

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Does your software work with helicopters or gyrocopters?

No, it is currently fixed wing only. We're evaluating the possibility of doing a rotary wing version but do not have firm plans at this point.

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Does your software work with Macs or under Linux?

AirplanePDQ has been reported to run on Macs and under Linux using Windows emulator packages.  However, we do not currently have any plans for Mac or Linux specific versions.

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How do I get software updates and upgrades?

Minor updates to the software are provided at no charge and can be downloaded from our web site.  We generally send out an email announcement when new updates become available.  You can also check our updates web page for information on new updates.

Major upgrades to the software are available for a upgrade fee.  

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