The Industry Challenge
Accurate aero-thermal analysis is essential across the full engine and system lifecycle, from early design through validation, certification, and sustainment. Yet the work is increasingly constrained by complex physics, high computational demands, and limited access to multidisciplinary expertise. As systems become hotter, lighter, and more integrated, traditional analysis approaches struggle to keep pace.
Why It Matters
Errors in modeling, assumptions, or interpretation don’t just stay on paper. They surface as design rework, durability issues, maintenance challenges, or failed life predictions. In safety- and mission-critical systems, these issues directly impact cost, schedule, and operational readiness.
Our Approach
QDSS combines deep aero-thermal domain expertise with disciplined engineering judgment. Our teams pair experienced subject-matter experts with developing engineers, applying physics-based modeling, validated assumptions, and robust quality processes. Analysis results are interpreted in context—not delivered as raw simulation output—so decisions are defensible and actionable.
What We Deliver
- High-confidence aero-thermal insight across development and sustainment
- Early identification of performance and durability risk
- Faster turnaround without sacrificing rigor
- Analysis frameworks that scale across programs and lifecycle phases
Customer Impact
Customers benefit from reduced cost, accelerated decision-making, and improved design confidence. Our aero-thermal teams have supported complex, high-consequence programs across aerospace, defense, and energy backed by decades of experience, integrated delivery models, and robust QA practices.
Our Disciplines
Computational Fluid Dynamics
QDSS applies high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics to understand complex flow behavior in mission-critical systems where margins are tight, and assumptions matter. Our CFD work spans steady and unsteady aerodynamics, conjugate heat transfer, reacting and multiphase flows, erosion estimation, and fluid-structure interaction. We focus on both generating accurate simulations and interpreting results through engineering judgment, providing insight that informs design decisions, cooling strategies, and risk mitigation across the lifecycle.
Performance Analysis
QDSS integrates aero-thermal insights into system-level performance analysis to evaluate efficiency, operability, and lifecycle impact. We assess how aerodynamic behavior, thermal loads, cooling effectiveness, and secondary flows influence overall system performance across mission profiles. This integrated view enables customers to understand tradeoffs, protect performance margins, and optimize designs without compromising reliability, certification, or long-term sustainment.
Thermal Analysis
Our thermal analysis capabilities support accurate prediction of temperature distribution, heat transfer, and thermal response under real operating conditions. QDSS performs steady-state and transient thermal modeling, flow network analysis, radiation and convection assessments, and electronics cooling evaluations. By coupling physics-based models with validated assumptions and lifecycle context, we help customers reduce uncertainty, improve durability predictions, and make confident decisions early, before thermal issues become costly rework.
Chris Hardgrave joined Quest Defense in April 2024 as Vice President for Strategic Accounts. He is responsible for sales, growth, and development of strategic relationships for new business development efforts in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Chris works in the Washington, D.C. office.
As Chief Engineer for Quest Defense, Jon is responsible for ensuring that sound engineering processes are maintained and followed by our employees working in a diverse set of services and disciplines across all verticals. In this role he also leads Quest Defense’s efforts to develop new methods and technologies to help grow the business through innovation, as well as building and promoting the technical reputation of the company in the public sphere.
Jeff Fischer serves as a board member for Quest Defense Systems and Solutions business. Additionally Jeff is the Operations Leader for the Quest Global Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Steve Gerber is President and CEO of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions business and is responsible for providing the leadership and growth of this venture.
Joe supports Special Missions across Quest Global to include key client contract negotiations, strategic business solutions, M&A, and culture endeavors.
Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non profit research organizations. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of th e Council on Foreign Relations. Among other industry positions, he is a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation and of Leonardo Electronics USA Inc. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, T echnology and Logistics (AT& after serving as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary from 2010 2012. Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, governmen t, and the military.
John Thackrah is the founding Principal of Sextant Solutions LLC, an aerospace, maritime and government acquisition consultant.
Page Hoeper is a private consultant, corporate director, and venture capitalist. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hoeper has focused on corporate governance and board service. He chairs the boards of OnPoint Technologies, Inc., 501c(3) venture capital fund established by Congress to focus on emerging commercial technologies of interest to the U.S. Army, and Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, a provider of engineering services to the U.S. defense industry.
As the President of Quest Global, Bob is responsible for establishing and maintaining senior customer relationships, catalysing new business development, and overseeing innovative and transformational deals. In this role, he also assists in building relationships with strategic acquisitions for the company.