Well I started tackling the Research section last night, 1,000,000 RP is not enough (well it is) well it is but it is so tough, that you need to go maximum two directions with your weapon systems. I have decided to go with a very close range defense system. No Missile, most my cargo will be used for maintenance, so missile just take up room, so I chosen, gauss turrets for point defense, lasers for close in work and gunboats with a mix of lasers and plasma carronades. Fighters for running down those that don't want to fight.
My biggest fear is running into vessel that can outstrip me with speed such over 10,000km/s
I am hoping the vast array of mutual gauss defense fire can stop even the most determined missile attack. I also gone for research for a orbital base with habitat and maintenance modules up to 14,000 tons, this will not help my carriers but the rest will be ok, I will rely on dragging one military, space dock for that.
My hope are I run into Precursors, and salvage parts especially missile tech, I find ruins and get more tech and an ordnance factory, maintenance modules
This challenge is going to be tough.
My attack options will be complex, because of my range limitations, gunboats with point defence system will lead, with fighter following, these will absorb the missile fire and then break off when close, the fighter will then zoom in with close in laser work, and finally the gunboat plasma with be third to make a huge hole in the vessel.
I also gone for shields, over armour, my hope is due to regeneration it will lighten the load on requirements.
Now to ship design, the tech is there how to make the best use of it