Case Study: U.S.S. Missouri achieves a fully operational 1/32-scale replica with SolidWorks

Recreating the U.S.S. Missouri with help from SolidWorks

The U.S.S. Missouri project involves hobbyist Donn McKinney’s ambitious challenge to recreate the Iowa-class battleship as a fully operational 1/32-scale replica (over 27 feet long) with navigation, propulsion and radar systems. To tackle the complexity of scaling and detailing such a large historic vessel, McKinney is using SolidWorks CAD software with sponsorship support from SolidWorks.

SolidWorks provided the 3D modeling tools that enabled McKinney to begin building detailed components of the hull and superstructure; he reports significant progress with parts already modeled and estimates a 2½–3 year completion timeline. The use of SolidWorks has made the intricate design and assembly feasible, paving the way for museum display, touring exhibits of the replica, and plans to model the other Iowa-class ships.

U.S.S. Missouri