The suitability of using the efficient, linear elastic design software VICONOPT for the analysis of a stiffened panel with a postbuckling reserve of strength is investigated. A longitudinally compressed panel, which initially buckled in a local skin mode, was analyzed with allowance being made for the effects of an initial overall imperfection. The panel was also analyzed using the nonlinear finite element package ABAQUS, and four laboratory specimens that represent the panel were tested to failure. The similarity of the experimental failure with the VICONOPT and ABAQUS predictions indicates that VICONOPT can give satisfactory analysis results for use in preliminary design.