Case Study: North American Eagle achieves precision 3D reverse-engineering and aerodynamic optimization for land-speed record pursuit with 3D Systems

Racing Team Takes on Land Speed Record Bid with Reverse Engineering Help

North American Eagle (NAE) is a U.S. team that rebuilt a Lockheed F-104 fuselage into a 56-foot, jet‑powered land speed car with the goal of exceeding 771 mph and reclaiming the land speed record. To do this safely and reliably the team needed perfect aerodynamic and structural models, but the vehicle’s complex, one‑of‑a‑kind shapes couldn’t be recreated by manual measurement alone.

Geomagic and partners used a FARO Photon scanner and Capture 3D to create a 30‑million‑point cloud and converted it with Geomagic Design X into a precise CAD model for CFD and FEA. The analysis revealed critical aerodynamic issues and guided redesigns that improved performance, stability and safety, supporting innovations such as magnetic brakes, high‑speed bearings, parachutes and advanced materials; the program has progressed through tests to 441 mph and continues high‑speed development toward its record goal.

North American Eagle

Ed Shadle

Co-Founder