Thread:Thunder the Coyote/@comment-26381576-20170926141743/@comment-5688420-20171001075416

It was one of the few games released for the short-lived S-16 System arcade board, which utilized scaling sprites to simulate a 3D feel. It was primarily used for racing games such as the Top Speed GP series and Full Throttle.

As for the game itself, it's a combat flight sim/shoot 'em up, much like Sega's After Burner. Beacause it is an S-16 game, the game uses sprite scaling for the enemies and objects below.

Airhawk and its sequel Airhawk II: Ace Pilot are precursors to the later W.I.N.G.S. series, which utilized 3D graphics in place of scaled sprites, as well as added more depth and realism to the gameplay.