The Challenge

Terrafugia, Inc. has turned the drivable plane into a reality. Established in 2006 by award-winning, MIT-trained aeronautical engineers and MBAs, the company has developed the Transition® aircraft, a personal airplane that converts into an automobile. In selecting a design package for the project, the company’s founders realized that the nature of the project – with two sets of safety and performance standards – would require a robust, flexible 3D design platform.

The Solution

The company chose SolidWorks software because it is easy to use, provides advanced surfacing tools, offers robust large-assembly capabilities, and includes integrated applications, such as SolidWorks Simulation and SolidWorks Routing software. By implementing SolidWorks, Terrafugia accelerated its development process, minimized component weight while maintaining strength, saved time through automated routing, and innovated the first practical integrated roadable aircraft.

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Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Previous CAD: None
Products(s) Used: SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Professional, SolidWorks Premium
Benefit: Results, 2D/3D Transition, Training, Design Better Products