OpenVSP Pods
This content demonstrates how to define an OpenVSP Pod geometry and briefly covers some of the varied applications of this relatively simple, yet very useful, component in modeling.
Encyclopedia
Updated Sep 22, 2025
Pod Design Parameters
The Pod is a relatively simple but very useful component that is defined by only two design parameters, Length and Fineness Ratio. The Length is the distance from the nose to the tail of the pod and the Fineness Ratio is the ratio of Length to the Radius. The Pod can be used as a stand-in for objects such as instrumentation, stores, tanks, pods, nacelles, and the like. This is useful early in the design process when finer geometry details or constraints are unknown or when you simply want something representative for your analyses.
Don't underestimate the usefulness of this relatively simple component. I've seen many experienced designers go for more complex Fuselage or Stack bodies, taking the time to shape and define each section, just because it looked nice rather than taking ten seconds to place a pod. If the requirements aren't forcing you to a more complex geometry yet, don't spend the time on something that will inevitably change anyway.
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer