R3-J Swoop — Bringing Science Fiction to Life

SOLIDWORKS design, prop fabrication and international collaboration | 2020

Created for Jacob as part of a Magic Wheelchair project, the R3-J Swoop transformed a working adaptive bike into a weathered speeder from a galaxy far, far away.

The build brought together JJ Industries in the UK and Bowhead Corp in Canada, with support from Jonathan Harrison of Kessel Run Creations and fellow designer Kirby Downey.

Designed around a working machine

At the heart of the project was the Bowhead Reach, an electric adaptive off-road bike. Luke Daley developed the speeder’s decorative components in SOLIDWORKS, designing around its existing structure to create a convincing science-fiction silhouette while preserving the vehicle’s movement and operation.

Daily communication with Bowhead’s Christian Bagg and Will Gill helped coordinate the bodywork and detailing with the practical requirements of the bike beneath it.

From digital models to physical details

Sweeping front vanes, wheel covers, layered body panels and mechanical details gave the speeder its distinctive character.

An extensive programme of 3D printing brought the digital designs into physical form, with Karen Daley undertaking sanding and finishing in the UK. These bespoke components were combined with fabricated panels and carefully dressed accessories to create the finished vehicle.

A transatlantic build week

Luke travelled to Calgary for an intensive final build between 25 January and 1 February 2020. Working alongside the Bowhead team, he led the prop assembly and supported the push to complete the speeder before it was shipped to Nashville.

Chipped paint, worn metallic surfaces and accumulated grime gave the vehicle the appearance of a machine with years of adventures behind it. Bags, ropes, hoses and smaller details completed the story.

Built for Jacob

The completed R3-J Swoop was presented to Jacob in Nashville, bringing months of design, collaboration and hands-on craftsmanship together in one memorable reveal.

Discover more about Magic Wheelchair’s work and the adaptive bikes developed by Bowhead Corp.