Aozora Shoujo-tai

Visually very nice. Characters are great. Storytelling is very well done and got me hooked.. for the first 3 episodes, which are awesome. The rest... is a filler without an ending. The main theme of rivalry and the love triangle just suddenly got sent to the back seat. None of the characters dare to make any move romantically, almost as if they decided off screen to behave "professionally" when the cameras roll. This really feels weird, a sudden change to clearly filler episodes, which might be understandable for a long-running TV series, but this is a OVA. Those who bought the VHS tapes must have ... felt teased with the first 3 eps. I though we will get back to the plot after a special/filler vacation episode. But no, another filler ep for a visiting character, special/filler eating contest episode (focused more on a childish side character), and the last episode being a backstory for the 2 side characters that until now used to be almost pure comedic relief characters and introduces new flashback characters. After the ep3 the main three characters feel like the side characters "paused" for later. But they never come back.
However, still watchable (and I'm easy to be bored). The episodes 4-7 come close to be cliché eyeroll boring stupid anime, but don't cross that line. Beautiful visuals and characters save it.
The first 3 episodes are worth watching!
The opening theme song is nice.
It's partially about the airplanes and pilots. There are show-off fly tests that end up dangerously, and air fights with the enemy jets. But it does not bore you with technicalities if you're not into airplanes. The show is more centered on the characters.

Title: 801 T.T.S. Airbats - A Lighthearted Dive into Aviation Comedy

Rating: 7/10

801 T.T.S. Airbats, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and based on the manga by Shimizu Toshimitsu, takes a unique approach to the military genre by infusing it with a comedic and slice-of-life twist. Released in 1994, this OVA (Original Video Animation) series provides an entertaining yet somewhat niche experience for viewers interested in a blend of aviation, humor, and light-hearted storytelling.

**Storyline (6/10):**
Set in an alternate reality where the Tokyo Metropolitan Police maintains an all-female air squadron, 801 T.T.S. Airbats follows the misadventures of the charmingly eccentric pilot Isurugi Takuya and his squadmates. The series adopts ... a largely episodic format, focusing on the day-to-day challenges faced by the Airbats and their interactions both on and off duty.

While the premise is unique and the comedic elements add a refreshing touch to the military setting, the overall narrative lacks a strong central plot. The episodic nature can lead to a somewhat disjointed viewing experience, with individual episodes feeling like standalone comedic sketches rather than contributing to a cohesive overarching story.

**Characters (6/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats introduces a quirky and diverse set of characters, each with distinct personalities and quirks. Isurugi Takuya's carefree and flirtatious nature provides much of the comedic energy, while the other members of the Airbats contribute their own dynamics to the group. The character interactions are enjoyable, and their camaraderie is a highlight of the series.

However, the characters often remain within the bounds of their established archetypes, with limited exploration of deeper character development. While this fits the lighthearted tone of the series, it may leave viewers wanting more substantial growth from the cast.

**Animation and Art (7/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats showcases animation typical of its 1990s era, with a somewhat dated aesthetic. The character designs and backgrounds capture the charm of the manga but may not meet the visual standards of more contemporary anime. The animation quality is serviceable for the genre, especially considering the series' comedic focus.

The aircraft sequences, while not groundbreaking, effectively convey a sense of flight and motion. The art style complements the comedic tone, and the series successfully balances its military elements with a lighter, more humorous aesthetic.

**Soundtrack (7/10):**
The soundtrack of 801 T.T.S. Airbats complements its comedic atmosphere. The opening theme, "Niji o Mitsukero," and the ending theme, "SORA," provide catchy and upbeat tunes that suit the overall tone of the series. While the music may not be particularly memorable, it enhances the viewing experience and contributes to the series' light-hearted vibe.

**Impact and Legacy (7/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats holds a place in anime history as a unique blend of military and comedy genres. While it may not have achieved the same level of widespread recognition as other series, it has garnered a niche following among fans of aviation-themed anime and those seeking a more humorous take on military life.

**Conclusion:**
801 T.T.S. Airbats offers an entertaining and niche viewing experience, particularly for fans interested in the unusual combination of military aviation and comedy. While the series may not reach the heights of other classics, its charm, unique premise, and humor earn it a solid 7/10 rating. Viewers seeking a lighthearted diversion with a touch of aviation flair may find enjoyment in this nostalgic gem from the 1990s anime landscape.

A show about a squad of female fighter pilots training to become good enough to not get banned by the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force - yes, this is also a military ad in some ways) - count me in! The detailed drawings of all things mechanical, the concept of the show itself and even the visual character design is great, but sadly the writing is abysmal. Because it was the "style of the time", they had to include a love triangle with the super-lame male protagonist, which forces all the female characters go head over heel about that dude for absolutely no reason ... at all. That was a good way to ruin an otherwise solid show. I wonder if the manga is better?