About Aeronautica 3D

Aeronautica 3D has been in existence since 1995, first creating 3D aircraft models utilizing Autodessys Form-Z software. The company is operated by an owner and an assistant. In 2005, a Leica HDS3000 3D laser scanner was purchased to conduct scans of actual aircraft and components. The scanner was also utilized for other projects such as architecture, automobile scannning, reverse engineering, and other endeavors. The scanner was sold in 2007 and we are currently looking at other lower cost systems. Rapidform XOR was purchased to manipulate pointcloud data and produce CAD objects from the pointcloud. This software is available for rent or service.

This year, 2008, is very special for Aeronautica 3D. After 10 years of developing concepts and designs for a low-level over-the-water transportation vehicle in a San Francisco to Catalina Island route, the layouts are started - using Catia software.


SEAPLANE PROJECT - San Francisco to Catalina Island



This project originated from a goal to travel non-stop from San Francisco to Catalina Island along the coast line within a period of 1/2 day. To enjoy the sights more closely and selectively, a low level / slow flying, seaplane type vehicle was selected. In addition, the passengers would be exposed to 360 degree viewing and comfortable seating configurations.

Several concepts and configurations have been looked at over the years. It was time that one design should be engineered and produced. A more conventional style was to be engineered on this first configuration, and thus, the current version is now being laid-out - and in Catia V17 software.