Alouette, a long-distance space bus scooting through space. What would it look like? This interstellar traveller would look black, and I'm more certain it would be silent. Have fun making a show with that. But the issue here is shape. And what it does, which is kind of related to how it looks.
 
 
 
 

One has to admit that The Enterprise in Star Trek has a design that is interesting.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

Trains are one model to consider. More function than form.


 
 
 
 


 
 

I figured the Graf Zeppelin was the model to work with. But big, bigger than this.


 
 
 

The dirigible is plain. Is that bad? Canadian Halifax frigates are very different.


 
 
 
 

Air Force One was a source of inspiration. Both form and function.


 
 
 
 

Consider the more interesting aspects of airports and flying. Think back to when you were younger seeing those big bird machines on the runway, next to the big buildings, all the different aspects of flying, the thrill of travel, the uniforms of staff. You tell me what you find interesting about airlines.
 
 
 
 

Fins are a natural thing to add. Like the ship in Futurama for example. But that implies going through atmosphere, which may not make sense.

I picture the Alouette not being able to land on any planets, maybe because it's not built for it, maybe because of the dangerous amount of energy it has. There would certainly be shuttles. So that means it would not deal with atmospheres, and there would be no need for fins. In fact, it could look like the space station, with zero need to be aerodynamic.

Engines located in the rear, blowing out red fire, are also a natural thing to do. The Alouette would have to be doing something crazy, really impossible, to go to different solar systems, like bending space. This might mean a different sort of engine. Or maybe two entirely different engines, one for short range.
 
 
 
 

GR-75 blimp spaceship in The Empire Strikes Back


 
 
 
 


 
 

Cruise missiles like Storm Shadow and JASSM have something to offer, the angles (designed for stealth). That's what inspired this list.
 

Alien Prometheus had a cockpit with glass windows that looked down, not up. You could see the planet when you are flying above it.


 
 

Let's not forget that Alouette will have smaller vessels and devices. Shuttles and also planet observers for science. Docking at space stations.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

treehouse