This piece is both an exhibition of my artistic process, and a showcase of my affinity for technical work. First, I start out with quick sketches. Then those sketches get refined into solid line work. Next, I'll apply base shades of flat color to block out what colors go where. Lastly, I apply details and patterns such as lighting and shadow.
This is another illustration showing my artistic process, this time using a different, more diagonally organized pattern arrangement. Note especially the detail work around the vertical stabilizers and engine nozzles.
While most of the playable aircraft are real life types used by various national Air Forces, there are exceptions.This is the Su-37B Flanker F, a fictional production variant of the one-off Su-37 technology demonstrator Sukhoi created for the Soviet Union. The three color schemes from left to right are a Forest color scheme, a Winter color scheme, and a Blue Splinter color scheme.
The second and final fictional playable aircraft, the F-14-S21 is a conceptual upgrade of the F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet of "Top Gun" fame. Although plans were drawn up, in real life the S21 version never made it off the drawing board, and the Tomcat was retired from the US Air Force in 2006. I created a "Classic" Navy Grey color scheme, a 3 tone blue and white "aggressor" color scheme, and a gradient grey "Ferris" color scheme.
It's not all Fighter Jets. A number of ground attack aircraft are also playable in my game concept. This is the F-117A, the world's first operational Stealth Aircraft. Its unique faceted design and RAM paint (radar absorbent material), makes it a must for inclusion in my game. The actual RAM paint is a single flat shade of black, and while it helps make the F-117 an unparalleled stealth machine , it also makes it very boring to look at. Therefore, I have created a number of more colorful paint schemes to help illustrate the F-177A's unique profile. From left to right I have a Three tone Blue Digital camouflage scheme, a Four tone European Style Camouflage scheme, and an experimental Five tone Forest Camouflage scheme.
The Su-25SM is one of the worlds most rugged aircraft. Able to absorb enormous amounts of punishment, its heavy armor coupled with its mobility and armament make it a premier predator of tanks, APC's, and other ground based vehicles. From left to right, a Three tone blue color scheme, a Digital Plains color scheme, and a Four tone "Jaws" style experimental color scheme.
The A-10C is the ultimate anti-armor platform. Equipped with a massive 30mm Rotary cannon, the A-10C can shred a battalion heavily armored tanks and APC's in seconds ; coupled with heavy armor and an eclectic selection of missiles and cluster bombs, the A-10 is one of the most potent ground suppression machines of all time. Here we have a Classical Grey color scheme, a Disruptive Desert color scheme, and a three tone Green and Black color scheme.
The J35 Draken is a unique fighter aircraft, employing a "Double Delta" wing configuration to achieve extreme maneuverability. Originally intended for bomber interception, the Draken eventually matured into a well rounded fighter, never exceeding one particular area, but providing a fast and powerful jack of all trades. My J35J comes in a gradient "Ferris" color scheme, a "checkerboard display" color scheme, and a three tone brown and grey color scheme.
The F/A-18E is one of the most versatile aircraft currently equipping Air Forces around the world. This flexibility allows the F/A-18E to engage enemy fighter aircraft one minute, and attack enemy tanks on the ground the next. The three color schemes I chose to display are a classic "Navy Grey", a three tone Blue and Brown camouflage scheme, and a darker three tone "Dark Sea" blue camouflage scheme.
The F-4 Phantom is one of the oldest aircraft available for use by the player. A workhorse multi-role fighter, the F-4 has seen over 60 years of continuous service, with its longevity ensured due to it's rugged combination of armor and speed. I decided to have my F-4 available in a classically inspired Navy "Black Lightning" color scheme, a four tone "Desert" color scheme, and a three tone grey digital camouflage scheme.
A staple of Air Forces around the world for decades, the MiG-21bis is the world's most produced supersonic jet fighter. As such, it has seen more conflicts across history than any other aircraft, remaining a constant presence in aerial warfare into the 21st century. It's ability to adapt and upgrade with contemporary technology ensures it's place in the hearts and minds of fighter pilots for many generations to come. Here we have a monochromatic "Stripe" color scheme, a three tone green disruptive color scheme, and a green and brown camouflage scheme.
The Mirage F1 is a fighter aircraft notable for it's conservative yet efficient design. Equipped with specialized air to air missiles, the Mirage is an fighter aircraft that excels in close to medium range engagements, taking down it's opponents with ferocious speed. Displayed here are a three tone green and brown color scheme, a " Blue Sunrise" color scheme, and a two tone desert color scheme.
