[Shadow99]

Well in modern militaries their are defense shps they call monitors (maybe we should design a new hull type?) Monitors are slow, use trusted older techs, aren't expensive, etc. Though they still can accomplish their jobs pretty well figuring they are supposed to already be already at whatever location they are defending (or darn near it).

I use defense ships in SE4 though & for me defense ships are slightly slower (maybe drop 1 or 2 engines below max), use cheaper weapons, have alot of shields (almost twice what my normal ships carry), & generally can assist other units in defending planets & warp points... Oh they also don't carry resupply/quantum reactor/supply storage containers either figuring they'll be near a resupply pt. at all times. For an example I've built defensive missile cruisers (standard cruiser with only missiles & PD) & they normally hold their own quite well unless massive numbers of ships attack & they have PD as well...