i can remove the antenna - but would not really suggest to do so - because a little asymetry spices it up quite a bit. but yea - loosing it is no big deal.
VHF
sorry, the mesh has its restrictions - i already shortened it as much as possible without upsetting the faces.
i suggest to try it out - if it really does not work at all - or if balance says that it must be shorter - i d try to reconsruct the nose section.
about the skin - yea - i can put the brightness of the dark patches of hull to a very dark tone - maybe 20% gamma or so... just not pitchblack - i left them mostly brighter for rendering purpose - cause you wouldn t be able to see much if it was too dark ...