Player Rapid Response Units

[Bamalo]

I just started playing X3TC again, and have less than a hundred hours all told in the game. One of my issues playing it before was having my stations get attacked and not having nearly enough defenses. This time around, I decided to create some early-game RRF units. I currently only have access to Argon, Teladi, and Terran shipyards. I decided to use a Zephyrus(TM) and 4 Nova Raiders(M3). Right now I have five of them, but as my new stations start cranking out some cash, I plan on quintupling that. I have the Zephyrus stationed in sectors I'm running STs and they're all outfitted with jumpdrives.

My question is, what does your RRF units makeup look like? And what should a late-game RRF be comprised of? While I am following the main plot at the moment, all I really want is to have a galaxy-spanning empire that could conceivably jump into any sector and blow away any defense a sector could muster. And I can't do that if I can't keep my own industries safe.

[XanII]

As IS RRF fighters this setup is able to deal with small M5/M4 threats. M3 as well but casualties and damage likely will incur.

I generally place my stations so that pirates dont raid them too easily and by that i mean the transporter traffic outside it. Stations are left alone pretty much no matter where they are.

Where is your vulnerable station(s) located?

[The Rogue Trader]

I have a M7 idling in almost every sector, if/when your station gets attacked tell it to defend station and select the station being attacked. If you set it to patrol sector your reputation with the Pirates will plummet and it'll make a few plots harder when you get around to doing them.
Earlier in the game a M6 with a few M3's Idling in sector is usually enough.