My first ever post after running around these boards for a while now.  Hi I'm Andrew from Cleveland, Ohio.  I've just recently got into this game and I need some advice on what I'm doing right or wrong with my ships.  So here is one experiment that I think might be OK.  Let me know:

"The No. 27"
175 Hull

Total Attack - 108.105
Cost per ship- 28.917
Accuracy - 14%
ABS - 24%

No. 27 Pack (Core)
Weight - 85
Cost - 2
Energy Gen - 28k

No. 27 Case (Shields) ->x2<-
Weight - 15 a peice
Cost - 1 a peice
Energy Req - 6833
ABS - 19%

Special Blend No.27 (Special)
Weight - 25
Cost - 2
Defense- +32
Hit Points - +274
Def% Bonus - 2%
Energy Required - 6246

Lighters (Weapons)->x5<-
Weight- 7 a peice
Cost- 7 a peice
Energy req - 1761
Attack - 22759
ACU - 14%

I'm not too experienced in this game yet and i'm just looking for some expert advice. I've tried these in some real low lvl missions and they have survived OK but I need some advice to try and really step it up.  Am I missing something or are my priorities mixed up or what?  Haha.  Well I guess thats it.  Thanks in advance.