SKYFIGHTER from ‘V - The Mini Series’ (1983) Written and Directed by Kenneth Johnson

In the late 1970s and early 1980s TV was dominated by American min-series. and ‘V’ the mini series was such an event - 'must see tv'. The intelligent story of advanced visitors from another planet coming to Earth to share their technology in exchange for some of the Earth’s readily available resources. The story soon starts to echo the rise of Nazi Germany.

The Sky Fighters were small aircraft carried aboard the giant alien’s motherships and are used to travel to and from the Motherships. These single pilot aircraft have room for one or two passengers and have a rear mounted weapons position.

They were depicted on screen via numerous full size props that are seen on location in various locations as well on the Mothership hangar deck. When in flight they are realised with 18-24” long miniatures, which were shot with motion control and composited via blue-screen travelling mattes. This was all very ambitious for 1980s TV, especially given the inherent problems of the hull being shiny and white, or cream, in colour. Hats off to Dreamquest Images for taking on the challenge of white spaceships in daylight.

The kit would come in white plastic, and would include a detailed interior with a Visitor pilot figure. In 1/48th scale the model would be approximately 5” long. optional landing gear would be included.

This painting shows a Skyfighter flying over Los Angeles with a Mothership in the distance.

The miniatures were built by Greg Jein.

You can see more about this kit in ‘What If Fantasy Model Kits #22 on my YouTube channel.