Case Studies

Euro Fighter Model

In 1998 Integrated Circles were approached by Garrards, the Crown Jewellers to design a show to demonstrate their crafting expertise. The display was for use at the Dubai Air Show, and featured a quality replica model of a Eurofighter aircraft as its centrepiece.

The model weighing approximately 14 kilos and made out of sterling silver, had to move in synchronisation with planes flying across a 2.5 metre wide video screen backdrop. Amongst other movements, the plane had to bank 45 degrees to left and right, to dive and climb and rotate through 180 degrees, its under carriage had to go up and down and the canards had to move.

The plane had to be capable of taking off and landing in sympathy with the other planes on the video screen. The brief was to design a transportable set incorporating a large screen and front silvered mirrors to minimise dimensions, along with a mount capable of animating the model.

Integrated Circles were responsible for selecting and briefing a video production team to produce both live video footage and computer generated graphics, to illustrate the take off, flight across various terrains and finally landing of the Eurofighter.

The challenge of controlling such a weight of silver on the end of a very small support tube and of designing actuators to enable the plane to move smoothly in all modes of flight were extremely demanding. The dramatic use of lights reflecting off the silver plane and a captivating soundtrack, together with a video show which has received international acclaim, enhanced the movements of an exquisite piece of silver-smithing.

The show opened in Garrards in Regent Street and was subsequently used as the opening sequence of a BBC Panorama show on the Eurofighter. It was one of the most acclaimed exhibits at the Dubai Air Show and again at the Singapore Air Show.

It was so well received, that British Aerospace subsequently took the show to Australia to use on their stand at the Australian Grand Prix. In 1999, Integrated Circles modified the display for use again at Dubai for the 1999 Air show, this time incorporating Plasma Screen technology to improve portability.