Fighters are tricky as they MUST be under 500 tons in order for Fighter Factories
to build them. Fighters are limited in what they can carry, so you need to remember
a few things.
Fuel. A fighter really needs only enough for 24 hours max. As you research fuel based
techs, you'll have access to smaller fuel tanks. I wouldn't bother with shields or armour
because most fighters will die with one hit anyway. Their speed and size is their protection.
Missles, using box launchers once you have the tech, should be the weapon of choice.
My Aracatuba fighters each carry 4 size 10 missiles in box launchers. They return to the
carrier to rearm.
I think you can remove the bridge, as ships 1000 tons and under don't need one.
I don't think you need engineering either, which saves more space. For close-in,
in your face, fighter strikes, the meson cannon is best, as it ignores armour and
shields to strike directly at a ship's vitals. Only does 1 damage, but that can destroy
a lot of systems. For inspiration, check the ship design forum. Hope that helps.
Eric
