Client Challenge
An advanced engine demonstrator required adapting three tightly coupled components—the Rear Augmentor Duct (RAD), Balance Flap, and Balance Seal—from legacy systems into a new configuration.
If these components weren’t designed correctly:
- Assembly could fail
- Structural integrity could be compromised
- Program timelines could double due to rework
Design had to do more than create geometry.
It had to enable every downstream discipline to move forward with confidence
Our Approach
QDSS embedded a design engineer directly into the customer’s IPT, taking full ownership of the preliminary design phase across all three components.
The approach was deliberate:
- Validate early, not react later
Hand calculations were used upfront to ensure designs would pass structural analysis before CAD was finalized. - Build for change, not rework
Highly associative CAD models allowed updates to propagate instantly across the design, keeping structures and thermal teams moving. - Lead integration, not just design
Cross-discipline requirements were surfaced early, preventing conflicts from becoming delays.
What We Delivered
- ~360 design criteria and tasks completed with full compliance to EKS and design standards
- On-time RFQs, vendor alignment, and material release
- Seamless progression through M2 design review
- Zero action items from the program office
Impact
This was a successful design effort and a program enabler that:
- Eliminated redesign loops before they started
- Accelerated cross-functional execution
- Reduced dependency on customer oversight
- Positioned the team for sole-source follow-on work
What This Proves
Engineering breaks down when design becomes a bottleneck.
It accelerates when design becomes the integrating force across disciplines.
Adaptive Engineering means designing in a way that keeps the entire system moving.
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.