The L-38 Destroyer was just approved for personel use before the time period that the first book will take place in. It's a plasma gun with a rechargable "clip" and optional laser sight. I'm sure more add-ons will become available later on.

Here is a basic design of a common torpedo. I use the term "torpedo" to describe any self-propelled, offensive projectile used in a zero-g enviroment. Missiles are still commonly used in planetary atmospheres because torpedoes have no way of staying aloft on their own. This small weapon contains a small ion engine, and basic targeting computer, and a warhead of a predetermined yield. The launcher functions similiarly to a rail cannon, but on a much slower scale. Coils magnetically pull the torpedo through the launcher until it's ion engine can safely engage.

This is the DEDF (Draconis Empire Defense Force) Training facility in downtown Draconis City. It's upper levels consist of the majority of the DEDF command structure (Colonel, Generals, and Admirals) and their respective work areas. The lower levels contain classrooms and designated spots for special training in areas of expertise. The surrounding buildings contain multiple flight similators and classrooms pertaining to flight instruction. Actual flight training is conducted outside of the planet's gravitational field in open space.

This is a "zero-g" fighter. It lacks any method of staying aloft in a planet's atmosphere but is extremely manuveurable in space. There are actually two classes of this fighter, the Alpha and Beta classes. The Alpha class is a strict fighter. It's armed to the teeth with stardard guns and a large cache of ammunition to last entire battles. The Beta class is a fighter/bomber. It sacrifices a lot of its ammo supply for a torpedo bay. It carries up to 10 torpedoes that can be dropped through a bay door in the belly. They engage once safely clear of the craft. This makes the Beta class fighter much more effective against larger ships.

Here's one of the USA's greatest achievements in the near future. It's too bad their general population isn't aware of its existance. The American Carrier class starship is their primary means of travel and exploration. It's manned primary by Air Force personel and maybe a few scientists (unless a battle is forseen). These ships are designed to carry and deploy both fighters and bombers and to return safely. They're heavily armed but rely more on the protection provided by their fighters that their own torpedo launchers. The nuclear reactor designed for these ships can keep it in space for 3 years before the need for refueling. That's assuming that they can replenish crew supplies elsewhere.

This is actually a sneak peak of things to come for the Draconis colony. The D.S.S. Bacholar is slated for construction in the first book because the aging spaceport and the planned production of large ships. This station will be able to support any sized ship due to the two long docking ports on either side. The smaller bays at the bottom of the station will allow smaller craft to land and be safely repaired/unloaded. The Bacholar will also serve as a new command platform for the DEDF and will have defenses to match that new responsibilty. The D.S.S. Bacholar will stay in a stationary orbit near the Draconis Capital.