We have found that full-strength industrial level codes often have a steep learning curve, and many students do not have the time and/or interest to learn how to use these types of codes. In addition, the sheer mechanics of running these codes tends to obscure the physics of the processes. There is definitely a role for student oriented programs, and many are becoming available.
The softwarecontrol and license requirements for PC-based software are a problem, and it is clear that a workstation environment is a much better solution.
Most of the analysis and design tools being developed are for traditional aerodynamics and aircraft sizing. However, there is a need for a modern mission program and a propulsion program that can easilty create data tables for use in performance and mission analysis on a pc. There is also need for a simple structural analysis code. The finite element codes prove too tough for most students to use during a senior design project (note: in design the students need to optimize, not just analyze). There is also a lack of cost and manufacturing analysis methods suitable for use in the design class.
An example of an area of recent development is work by a Virginia Tech student to produce a code to do floatation analysis for use in the large transport problem. Finally, many codes are not general enough to examine exotic geometries that students often want to propose as a design solution. I welcome contributions to this review, which will appear on the Virginia Tech AOE web site: http://www.aoe.vt.edu