EDIT: Well, maybe not how to...
I remember my past space opera was called “StarPaths”, but I felt that was a corny name. It’s the same storyline, same race factions, but just the name’s different. Backstory and faction infos can be found here: http://www.wyrdysm.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4857
As of this first post, the year is 3722 A.F., nearing the end of the Piracy Wars.
I’ll get started with the Royal Earthan Navy:
Reunified Earthan Navy (REN)
"Katie" Scout
Scouts are sent as recon units as single-manned craft. They are the fastest in the Navy, and are the only ones capable of chasing LSK speedcraft, but are notoriously fragile.
Amber-class Frigate
Frigates were originally used as transports, however with the increasing rate of losses due to pirate raids on convoys, the transports were outfitted with decent weaponry to defend themselves. Frigates nevertheless suffer the highest casualty rate in the Navy, and the LSK are reputed to have their own fleet of captured frigates.
Cynthia-Class Destroyer
A medium-sized ship designed to patrol designated passive airspace and as an escort. It is relatively well-armed compared to its size, and the mere presence of a destroyer is capable of maintaining the peace. Destroyers occasionally operate in packs of three in combat, but can fend for itself by all means.
Havana-class Cruiser (Prototype model)
Large ships designed to provide support in unstable (fringe) areas, or places prone to raids or attack. They are deployed as support artillery or heavy escorts. Early cruisers were made from the remnants of the UWA fleet and were poorly armed. Earthan Cruisers nowadays are decked out in Grade V Neptunian Armor, and are armed with 60-inch cannons. As cruisers are under the command of different admirals, each cruiser is usually extensively modified. However, every admiral knows that the cruiser's most vulnerable spots are the struts connecting the Neptunian plates to the hull and the engine exhausts.
"Evangeline" Carrier (No Data Available)
Currently, Navy officials are planning on retaking the Second Sector, and simulations demonstrate the need for mobile depots where recon Scouts can refuel, reload, and repair. The Earthan Assault Carrier is currently the project of the Sector 3 Shipyards. Initial construction has begun. The Royal Earthan Navy intends at least three carriers in a month.
Earthan Mobile Command Center "Iris" (No Data Available)
In correspondence to the assault carrier, officials also discovered the need for a mobile command center, ridding the need of having to report back to Mars HQ. Sector 3 Shipyards have also been given the responsibility of designing a Command Center that is capable of advancing with the fleet. No reports on their progress for now.
H-L "Rachel" Defense Station
Staple in Naval defense, these defensive "checkpoints" are used to safeguard anything between public infrastructure to Sector 3 government and military areas. Boasting two "Enke" cannons, two swarm-missile pods and constructed nearly out of solid B-level Neptunium, their resilience is quite remarkable, and many a foe had not the knowledge that a battered defense station was nevertheless a dangerous one paid for it with his life.
Earthan DS-05 engaging in a military exercise
"Valentine" Cruiser Missile
Given that, it was a general rule of thumb that no one dared venture there. Even if Warlord Og's ship (with a $930 million dollar on his head) stalled just outside, no one would dare getting within firing distance of the Stone Forest. After Warlord Og did manage to limp back to his base on one malfunctioning engine, and with the development of the new CO-5 explosives, plans were made for giant "cruiser" missiles that would accellerate until they hit their target, the payload guaranteed to do the job. While the job was originally granted to the government-run Sector 3 industrial complexes, issues with construction and information leaks allowed private companies to manufacture their own. Swordsman Enterprises built two operating prototypes, which were used as part of the First Battle of Neptune.To go through the asteroid belt is to for a one-way ticket to Hell.
Vicki-Class Transport
Perhaps the oldest model in existence in the Earthan Dominion. The transport is designed to be able to shuttle goods between a planets' surface and its orbiting space stations, all the while being able to carry quite large and heavy loads. The large bays inside give it a fat and bloated appearance, and its lack of armor or armament makes it highly prized by LSK speedcraft. Recent disturbances have led transport ships to mount C-III cannons, and many commanders illegally modify their engines to use the thruster's potential power as powerful turbine cannons.
League of Silent Knives
They may be amateurs, but they aren't noobs. The only difference between an LSK pilot and one of the Navy is a matter of an official diploma. As REN officials do not have actual blueprints of these ships, the only documentation we have are shots taken during combat, and pilot testimonies.
"Runners" (aka Scout Craft)
These little buggers are fast, extremely fast, capable of dodging torpedoes with ease. They do so with the sacrifice of armor and gear, but they are far from harmless. Armed with an EMP torpedo, twin "Naeil" cannons and two rear-facing rocket launchers, the runner is capable of incapacitating an enemy, leaving before it can recover and retaliate. Runners often precipitate larger attacks, their EMP torpedoes making the largest cruisers sitting ducks for the artillery.
Stalker-Class Frigate
These ships tend to shadow their target, as their name suggests, relying on its 6-pack of HV missiles, rather than the standard thermite cannons, as its main weapon. As this design is more designed to slow down fleeing enemies rather than destroy them, Stalkers are percieved more of as a nuisance than an actual threat.
Hunter-Class Frigate
The most-feared ship by civilian transports and cruiser admirals alike. A medium-ranged craft carrying four to six autocannons, the Hunter is heavy enough to deal significant damage to any ship. Hunters also extensively use their thermite cannons, which also perform exceptionally at medium range.
Yes baby, pity that poor ship which you can't see now, and won't see ever again.
Slayer-Class Frigate
The short-range assault frigate. Using four to six fully automatic "Naeil" cannons firing 75 cm long spikes designed to penetrate thin armor, this ship is usually dispatched to finish off an already weakened target, and has enough firepower to shred any unresisting ship to pieces.