I wish you every luck in this project :) I downloaded a privateer based fan made game some time ago and enjoyed it immensly; From what I have read this game will a lot of fun too.
If you need a alpha/beta tester or even a hack or rusty programmer for any reason drop me a line.
Hey I noticed you were looking at turret designs and the one on wcnews.net seemed similiar to the turret in the video clips of this fine show here:
http://www.cyberpursuits.com/heckifiknow/saab/videos.asp
Download the clip on the bottom right,
'We done our best: Wang'
Which is the...