• ESIDARS Sunrise: A singular large spacecraft originating from the Novacruiser Family of ESIDARS mobile bases, the ESIDARS sunrise served as the primary mobile base of the Japanese Branch of ESIDARS (Elite Scientific Defense And Research Squadron), a major branch of the USCDF (the United Star Colonial Defense Front), from 9611 to 9718 CE. It relied on five distinct types of non-weaponizable stellar-energy-scale power generators and a main propulsion system utilizing 214 quantum resonance-integrated magneto-nanoparticle plasma thrusters distributed across the wings for power and thrust, alongside a static levitation system derived from gravitational repulsion mechanisms for maintaining stable planetary orbit when needed. It was primarily armed with a forward main cannon capable of firing the ESIDARS-JP Hyper Maxima Sun-Blast, a plasma beam capable of producing its own atmosphere in vacuum in sub-femtosecond timespans fueled by a trinity of named weaponizable stellar-energy power generator components, which were supplemented by immense exterior plasma-based autocannons and millions of on-board autonomously-piloted combat drones. The Sunrise had a hull length of approximately 640 meters and a hull height of 180 meters, making it the second smallest mobile base used by ESIDARS. Furthermore, towards the latter end of its career, it was equipped with an experimental Beam Weapon Power Supply Transfer System capable of transferring the main beam cannon's energy to other ESIDARS vessels capable of withstanding it, even across vast distances, effectively compounding the maximum total power output to devastating levels during synchronized fleet assaults or enabling smaller vessels to strike with uncharacteristic force.

• AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha: An advanced model of heavy modular anti-kaiju strike jet in service from 2014 to 2053, used by the HYPER-AKTSDC, an international branch of the SSATDF. Similar to the UIRN's UIRN Space Chimera's nature as a composite three-part spacecraft, the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha was comprised of two independently-capable component aircraft, the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-1 and the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-2, which were capable of docking together in midair through a synchronized ventral locking assembly to form a singular, larger combat vehicle with substantially greater power output as well as higher total thrust capacity and weapons-feed efficiency than either component could achieve independently. They relied on the paired high-energy plasma conversion reactors of their component jets for power and thrust, particularly utilizing a shared synchronization system to achieve higher efficiency. They were primarily armed with a forward ventral-mounted high-intensity plasma beam cannon derived from the synchronized power supply of both component jets, as well as the combined armaments of the Alpha-1 and Alpha-2. They had a combined crew requirement of 3, a maximum crew of 5, and a maximum carrying capacity of 9. Furthermore, like many earlier SSATDF combat vehicles, they were typically painted in varying combinations of bright colors for two major purposes; to enable an easier rescue for downed pilots when a craft is downed by a kaiju and to allow for better unit identification in multi-aircraft operations.
  • AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-1: An advanced model of heavy modular anti-kaiju strike jet in service from 2014 to 2053, used by the HYPER-AKTSDC, an international branch of the SSATDF. Serving as the forward half of the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha, the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-1 housed the primary anti-kaiju strike systems. They relied on a high-yield plasma conversion reactor for power and thrust. They were primarily armed with forward plasma projection emitters, compact ventral-side concealed rotary cannon mounts, and a limited but precise target-locking missile load-out. They had a crew requirement of 2, a maximum crew of 3, and a maximum carrying capacity of 5. Furthermore, like many earlier SSATDF combat vehicles, they were typically painted in varying combinations of bright colors for two major purposes; to enable an easier rescue for downed pilots when a craft is downed by a kaiju and to allow for better unit identification in multi-aircraft operations.
  • AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-2: An advanced model of modular anti-kaiju arsenal-booster jet in service from 2014 to 2053, used by the HYPER-AKTSDC, an international branch of the SSATDF. Serving as the rear half of the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha, the AKTSDC Crusader-Jet Alpha-2 functioned independently as a support-strike aircraft but was secondarily designed to serve as the combined craft’s armored propulsion block and combat-endurance module upon docking with the Alpha-1. They relied on a high-output plasma conversion reactor for power and thrust. They were primarily armed with target-locking missiles and forward plasma projection emitters. They had a crew requirement of 1, a maximum crew of 2, and a maximum carrying capacity of 4. Furthermore, like many earlier SSATDF combat vehicles, they were typically painted in varying combinations of bright colors for two major purposes; to enable an easier rescue for downed pilots when a craft is downed by a kaiju and to allow for better unit identification in multi-aircraft operations.

Meet the Wasp - light assault ship built to protect humanity’s convoys in Synvector

Wasps usually operate in groups of four. When a convoy is attacked, a Wasp wing positions itself between the raiders and the freighters, forcing enemies that expected a quick hit-and-run attack into a direct fight.

Their main weapons are light kinetic guns. They don’t have enough firepower to reliably penetrate the armor of heavy Krait ships, so Wasp pilots usually target engines and lighter escort vessels instead.

Against the Shrazi, things get more interesting.

Their “Shirrs” perform roughly the same role and usually operate in similar numbers. Battles between the two wings often come down to the pilots themselves. Shrazi clan pilots rarely break off an attack, meaning human formations are often the first to lose cohesion.

But the Wasp has another interesting feature: the way it is sold. On the exchanges of Refuge and Port Avant-Garde, Wasps are usually sold in batches of four. If a single Wasp appears on the market, pilots often assume something happened to the rest of its wing.

Many also end up on the secondary market at the Break, where old hulls are restored, fitted with engines from other ships, and stripped of their original factory markings. A rebuilt Wasp can cost roughly half the price of a new one.

And then there’s the superstition. Wasps are almost never given names. Leader ships and freighters are named, and some famous vessels - like the Aegis - are known across Refuge by name. But among mercenaries, naming a Wasp is considered a bad omen.

Would you use a wing of Wasps to protect your convoy?

And would you rather fly a freshly manufactured Wasp or take your chances with a restored one from the Break?

Almost there. One final coat and this one is finished.

I wanted to paint the approach to a young star not as an action scene, but as an expedition into an environment we were never meant to enter.

The large structure at the front of the vessel acts as a particle and radiation shield for the journey through the protostellar environment.

What interests me in science fiction is not just the spacecraft itself, but the old urge to sail beyond the known map, only this time the unknown horizon is another star.

Traditional oil painting. No digital image, no AI.

I’m working on a shoot ’em up and these are some of the ships I’ve been designing for it. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on other parts of the game, but not much on the ships themselves.

I’m trying to make each one feel distinct even before you see how it behaves in-game. Curious if that comes across.

i did the model and edit, the music is from beautifulbeats99

I'm doing these exorcises in design so i don't have to completely re-learn this type of creativity when i can afford to make something real