Starshatter brings space combat up to date by using a combat model inspired by modern day surface navy and naval-aviation technology, instead of the more common World War II era technology. Each of the different components of the space force has a distinct role to play in battle, and this specialization must guide your strategy in deploying your forces.
	Fighters are small, agile, single-seat space craft that are capable of both atmospheric and orbital combat. In Starshatter, fighters play several important roles. Because of their speed and maneuverability, fighters are often used for scouting and recon jobs. They are used as an anti-air defensive platform to shoot down enemy fighters and strike craft that are attacking the fleet. And they are used as strike craft that can project force from orbit down to attacking ground targets. In order to accomplish these dual missions in different environments, fighters need to give something up. Fighters are too small to support shield generators or artificial gravity systems, and they carry fuel and life support for only limited duration mission profiles.
One solid hit from an anti-air missile is often enough to finish a fighter pilot's career. Fighters use active decoy countermeasures to evade incoming missiles. The fighter's job is to hit the target quickly and decisively and get out in one piece. Fighters are not capable of long range flight between planets or even from a planet to it's closest moons.
Starships are big, bulky, slow, and powerful, and they are the only ships capable of making the faster-than-light quantum leap between the stars. Starships are designed for long range missions, and carry enough power to run graviational deflector shields, artificial gravity systems, and the quantum drive. As a result, they are too big and un-aerodynamic to land on planets. Starships are limited to the cold, hard vacuum of orbit. Starships come in many shapes and sizes, each tasked with a different mission role. Small Frigates are used for air defense. They can shoot down enemy fighters and torpedoes with rapid fire plasma cannon and interceptor missiles. Destroyers are attack platforms that can engage enemy ships one-on-one or in small groups. Cruisers are the backbone of the fleet's attack capability. They carry devastating firepower that can effectively engage any size target; even a military battle station. Carriers are the cornerstone of the fleet. They deliver fighters and strike ships to the scene of action, and they coordinate the entire battle plan.