[quote=@Expendable]
Off the top of my head, there's probably a lack of usable runways, so likely flying some sort of Vertical Take-off & Landing or Short Take-off & Landing. Perhaps some new generation of Harrier JumpJets...

But with the alien invasion angle, 80's, and anime - perhaps some sort of transforming aircraft based partially on alien tech like they had in the anime Robotech / Macross? It's a plane, it's a half-plane with legs, it's a 50' tall mecha with a gun. 

Watch out for tanks.

Just a thought.
[/quote]

[quote=@Silverwind Blade]
"The idea being that the players will pilot 'modern' to our time, and maybe even a little older - i.e. Cold War - aircraft with retrofitted gadgets..."
[/quote]

Not really a mecha game, or one where I'm looking to invent original aircraft/machines for the players to use. 
I appreciate your interest in adding input to the setting, but I already have my idea clear and in mind, and not looking to make it a shared creative experience, as I have a firm concept. 
If you're more interested in transforming mecha, however, I do have a mecha-based RP I'm trying to get off the ground as well - https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/191324-shattered-steel-a-near-future-mecha-rpg/ooc#post-5479274