Case Study: Pilatus Aircraft achieves faster turboprop development with MSC Software VPD tools

VPD Tools Help Bring New Turboprop Aircraft to Market Faster

Pilatus Aircraft, the Swiss aerospace manufacturer, needed to speed up development of its new PC-21 turboprop trainer while meeting tougher customer demands and strict certification requirements. To replace a traditional paper-based process and reduce design iterations, Pilatus turned to MSC Software products including MSC.Nastran and MSC.ADAMS as part of its virtual product development approach.

MSC Software’s simulation tools helped Pilatus analyze structural mechanics, dynamics, aeroelasticity, and control kinematics early in the design process, while also supporting digital mock-up and flight-simulator-based evaluation. The result was shorter time-to-market, lower development and lifecycle costs, reduced technical risk, and a more efficient development process for the PC-21.

Pilatus Aircraft

Leonardo Manfriani

Chief Aerodynamicist