Manta Space Fighter

[xenologer]

The Manta is named for its wide wings, which resemble the shape of a manta ray.

It is small and manuverable, yet heavily armoured, making it suited for defensive roles. While sparse weapons mounts make it less than useful in a strike role.

The low offensive capability does make it available to civilians however, and it is popular among freelancers and pirates(who often innovate ways of carrying deadlier guns).

Check out the engine and manuvering thrusters.

As this is a very small fighter, there wasn't a good way to make folding landing gear that didn't spoil the underside. Therefore it uses those fixed stub fins as support. Notice there technic holes at the center; due to the new LDD being wierd with prices, these technic bricks are cheaper than normal 1*2 system bricks.

Check out the wing angles. This fighter's chassis started out as an experiment with unusual wings.

Opening canopy. In theory this ship could also look good using a traditional bubble canopy. The main reason I went this route is that the latest LDD update removed the spacey windscreens. The shape is inspired by Soren's Super Spartan, but the pilot has much more breathing room.

Underside showing various landing thrusters.

LDD link. I only wish it didn't cost so much...

[Asuka]

A very nice spacefighter with an interesting design of the cockpit and engine sections... the weaponry and overall shape fits in well too.