I started out trying to model the slipstream's engines... then put them at 45 degree angles and made four engines instead of two. Then I went on to add liberty-ish wings (like the ones on the defender), and overall it ended up getting a viper kinda shape to it. It also reminds me of that ship from 'the last starfighter'... what was that thing called...
The cockpit took FOREVER to model -_- it's all bars and planes, made 'hollow' so transparent windows could be done. Looking back, the cockpit came out slightly larger than I'd like... makes the engines look a bit small.