Lots of Transformers have had "real-world" alt modes, or at least approximations of them (changed just enough to avoid the wrath of licensors). However, a great deal more have either extremely generic "Earth" modes or Cybertronian modes. Obviously this isn't an intrinsically bad thing- Cyclonus for example has a wonderfully cool Cybertronian (Unicronian?) jet mode- I do like TFs with real alt modes quite a bit.
So basically, for Transformers who either have generic, alien or otherwise made-up alt modes, what would you give them as their real world vehicle form?
I'll start the ball rolling.
G1 Cosmos: Avro VZ-9 "Avrocar".
Yes, this is a real thing! It was a concept vehicle made to test the feasibility of circular aircraft (as it turns out, the answer was "Nope!"). Originally conceived as a kind of hover-jeep more than a conventional aircraft, it did actually work but was borderline impossible to control.Anyway, given this is an actual flying saucer, it'd be pretty cool to see Cosmos be one of these.
As a side note, considering advancements in technology and the existence of drones it's all too possible that a modern Avrocar might work better than its 50s counterpart.
G1 Cyclonus: Su-47 Berkut.
It's basically Cyclonus' alt mode, except Russian instead of Unicronian in origin. There are some other swept-forward wing jets but this is the coolest looking IMO.
Windblade: Hawker Hunter WB188.
Whilst not Japanese at all (it's as British as British can be!) it's already red, it's a gorgeous looking plane, it held multiple world speed records and if you squint it kinda looks like Windblade's comic alt mode. Also the Japanese to the best of my knowledge haven't made any completely original fighters since the end of WW2 (though they have made extensive refits of existing US aircraft to the point they might as well be new planes) so short of making her a Mitsubishi Zero or a Nakajima "Kate" or another WW2 era plane, I can't give her a Japanese alt mode.
Nosecone: Roadheader.
It's a drill tank. A real drill tank. No more needs to be said.
G1 Galvatron: Object 279 super heavy tank.
Intended to be proofed against atomic weapons, this 4-tracked thing already looks like something out of a sci-fi story. And somehow, a madbot like Galvatron turning into a concept "post-doomsday" weapon from a now-vanquished empire seems strangely appropriate.
G1 Arcee: 1955 Cadillac (in pink!).
I love classic 50s cars, and given Arcee's alt mode is kind of already a "Space Cadillac" I can totally see her turning into a real one. Now if I recall correctly there weren't a huge amount of actual pink Cadillacs, but honestly she'd look good in any of the classic shades- blue, green, whatever!
Anyway, now I'm done nerding out about planes and other machines, what are your thoughts?
