I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that this creature here represents one of the biggest strides in FreeSpace modding we've ever seen. It's an incredible piece of work - basically a rebuild of FreeSpace gameplay from the ground up - and because it sheds the need to stay true to FreeSpace fluff and gameplay, it can do some very, very impressive things: shielded warships all over the place, faster and gutsier fighter combat, way more species.
I particularly want to single out the armor system and the incredible diversity of the enemy types for commendation. In FreeSpace the relative tactical range is very limited because most of your opponents are fairly similar. In Wings of Dawn you get a fistful of different enemy types all with their own unique tactics and countertactics. It's remarkable.
There's nothing I know of, either released or in the works, that can match Wings of Dawn for sheer chutzpah and unfettered ambition. Spoon had the colossal testicular fortitude to tackle the creation of a brand new universe, and he pulled it off - with enviable flair and attention to detail.
It plays like a stylized, lighthearted hybrid between Master of Orion and Gradius. Download it and be impressed.