The Last Starfighter

One of my most favorite movies is The Last Starfighter, a sci-fi flick where a young man plays a video game machine which is actually a training console for an advanced starfighter. Aliens who own the game find him, pick him up, and get him to pilot a really powerful space ship, a model of which is pictured below.

It's one of those designs that use the X-type planform, similar to the X-wing fighter from Star Wars, the X-Bomber from Star Fleet, the Hawkwind from Air Raiders, and more.

It not only remains one of the coolest ships ever (because of it's power), but the movie's story is great.

Oh, did I say the Gunstar has a wedge-shaped front? LOL

The Gradius Vic Viper

Those who remember the Nintendo Entertainment System (Family Computer in Asia) would surely remember the game Gradius. It was a fun and challenging game.

But what struck me most was the design of the protagonist's fighter ship.

Above is the Vic Viper, that protagonist spaceship. It has an unusual aircraft design with its dual front-fork nose. Clearly revolutionary and unusual for its time. But for me, the general design is aesthetically pleasing. It makes the Vic Viper one of my most favored aircraft designs (even if it is actually more than aircraft) of all time.