A visual digital twin of the DHC "Dash" 7 to be used in renders and virtual reality visualizations.

As part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, NASA and partners are creating hybrid-electric variants of select aircraft. To promote the project, video-production model of the Dash 7 was created based off of reference images and design drawings, outfitting it with electric engines and livery that displays the collaboration between NASA and magniX.

research

Gathering Data on the Dash 7

With only 11 remaining active DHC-7, reference was taken from available photos and similar aircraft on my trip to the NASA Glenn hangar.

Variable pitch propeller reference

Wing flap and riveting reference

General aircraft paneling reference

model production

Modeling in Blender

The model references original 1977 orthographic drawings and was created in Blender using a combination of hard surface and subD techniques.

Frequent, iterative saving and version control were two techniques used to remain organized throughout the modelling process.

Model production

UV Unwrapping and Texturing

The aircraft was textured in Adobe Substance 3D Painter using a combination of projection, hand-painting, and procedural techniques.

Mirrored UVs improve organization and editing.
Objects with logos on them have higher texel density to ensure clarity.
The aircraft uses 7 texture sets so that it can be modularly updated if the design changes.