The case for open source software in aeronautics

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to promote the opportunities of open source software (OSS) development in aeronautics. Using the development of an open source framework for conceptual aircraft design as an example, this paper discusses how an inter-organizational collaboration between industry and academia can build an environment for multi-disciplinary aircraft design projects. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The paper takes the form of a literature study and comparison of software tools. Findings ‐ The open source model can facilitate the emergence of a large inter-organizational community in aeronautics for developing a comprehensive software framework. Practical implications ‐ Developing a general OSS framework for conceptual aircraft design has the potential of attracting a large community for inter-organizational collaboration on software tools for a multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) environment. Originality/value ‐ Using the concepts of open source in aeronautics has the potential to improve the collaboration among industry and academia on developing software tools for an MDO environment.