Node A6 · Acronym decoder
PDR
Preliminary Design Review
What it actually means
The review assessing whether the preliminary design — architecture chosen, requirements allocated, interfaces defined, margins estimated — is a sound basis for detailed design. The right conversation at PDR is about allocations, budgets, and the trade studies behind them; if you're reviewing part drawings at PDR, something has gone wrong with the sequence.
Where you'll meet it
Between requirements reviews and CDR on every classic development schedule.