[Deth B0y]

The issue with cockpits/windows in space ships is typically tied up in our conception that windows and cockpits represent weak points - ie, that the substance used for them is weaker then the rest of the hull.

If that limitation could be overcame (and the problems, of course, of joining the sections together) then there's no reason not to make the entire ship transparent (such was the case with a book by, i believe, larry niven - the entire ship was one continuous peice, that was totally transparent; you just painted over the parts you didnt' want to be clear).

Of potential interest is that having a visual reference point out at several locations would be very useful for a number of things; murphy's law states that if you have the most expensive and powerful computer and sensor suite in the galaxy, it'll get knocked out in the first 5 minutes and your crew will have to sight-fire the gazers.

just a thought,
deth