An optimal shape design approach is presented for a subsonic S-shaped intake using aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. Two-equation turbulence model is employed to capture strong counter vortices in the S-shaped duct more precisely. Sensitivity analysis is performed for the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations coupled with two-equation turbulence models using a discrete adjoint method For code validation, the result of the flow solver is compared with experiment data and other computational results of bench marking test. To study the influence oj turbulence models and grid refinement on the duct flow analysis, the results from several turbulence models are compared with one another and the minimum number of grid points, which can yield an accurate solution is investigated The adjoint variable code is validated by comparing the complex step derivative results. To realize a sufficient and flexible design space, NURBS equations are introduced as a geometric representation and a new grid modification technique, Least Square NURBS Grid Approximation is applied With the verified flow solver, the sensitivity analysis code and the geometric modification technique, the optimization of S-shaped intake is carried out and the enhancement of overall intake performance is achieved The designed S-shaped duct is tested in several off-design conditions to confirm the robustness of the current design approach. As a result, the capability and the efficiency of the present design tools are successfully demonstrated in three-dimensional highly turbulent internal flow design and off-design conditions.