Innovative aviation firm Terrafugia is making use of 3D composite modelling software from France’s Dassault Systèmes to design the beta prototype of its street-legal airplane.

The Transition Roadable Aircraft is designed to be used on most roads, so it can be driven at motorway speeds, take off and land at local airports and fits into a household garage. The two-seat vehicle has a front wheel drive for road use and a propeller for flight, and can be transformed from plane to car in 30 seconds, says Terrafugia.

After working on the Transition prototype for several years, Terrafugia is currently working on a beta prototype that will launch in June 2011.

The company says it is using CATIA analysis and CATIA composite design software from Dassault Systèmes to make adjustments to the original design, including correcting problems such as wrinkles and bridges.

“Being able to have a full digital model of a ply-by-ply layout will allow us to conduct accurate structural analyses, which is invaluable in reducing the weight of the Transition,” said Ben Zelnick, engineer at Terrafugia.

Terrafugia is adding the Dassault Systèmes software to its existing SolidWorks infrastructure. The Catia analysis creates design simulations within a CAD environment. The company then uses Catia CPD to build and test reinforcement spars on the prototypes structural panels.