Modeling a Realistic Helicopter in LightWave 3D
Throughout these LightWave 3D tutorials, we'll be modeling a Bell 407 helicopter, which is popular for use with TV news programs, military reconnaissance, highway patrols, and other uses. Software required: LightWave 3D 11.6.2, Photoshop CC.
What you'll learn
Throughout these LightWave 3D tutorials, we'll be modeling a Bell 407 helicopter, which is popular for use with TV news programs, military reconnaissance, highway patrols, and other uses. We'll start in Photoshop, preparing a blueprint drawing for use in LightWave. We'll then move into LightWave and once our background is set up, we'll model the helicopter using a variety of techniques including working with polygons and sub-divisional surfaces (Sub-Ds). We'll learn to handle hard surface modeling with Sub-Ds, including how to make sharp corners or soft, precise curves. Finally we'll set up basic textures using images from Photoshop and UV maps made in LightWave. Software required: LightWave 3D 11.6.2, Photoshop CC.
Table of contents
- Editing the Reference Images 5m
- Adding Reference Images to LightWave 5m
- Modeling the Nose 11m
- Continuing the Nose and Windscreen 10m
- Adding the Door Area and Underbelly 12m
- Building the Rear and Upper Sections 13m
- Finishing the Engine Compartment 11m
- Creating Air Intakes 7m
- Adding the Tail Boom 11m
- Modeling the Vertical Stabilizer 10m
- Designing the Tail Rotor 11m
- Making Landing Skids 10m
- Adding Rear Stabilizers to the Tail Boom 10m
- Building the Main Rotor Assembly 13m
- Finishing the Main Rotor 12m
- Setting up the Interior 11m
- Cutting Panels into the Fuselage 9m
- Creating Engine Vents and Door Panels 12m
- Continuing with Door Shapes 12m
- Making Windows in the Doors 12m
- Installing the Windshield 7m
- Adding Windows by the Pilot's Feet and Head 12m
- Filling in Gaps from the Windows 8m
- Creating UV Maps for Texturing 11m
- Painting Basic Textures in Photoshop 12m
- Final Texturing and Small Details 11m
About the author
Phil Nolan has been an artist of one sort or another all of his life. After discovering comic book art and animation in high school, he decided to attend college with the goal of becoming a CG animator. After achieving his goal, he now freelances for local studios. Phil is always striving for the challenge of bigger and better projects.