Ages of the Federation is a new total conversion mod for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. This mod takes place in the Enterprise and Original series eras, focusing on the conflict between the early Federation and Klingon Empire. A resurgent Romulan Star Empire, angry and still licking its wounds after their defeat to Earth and her allies waits in the shadows, ready to take advantage of any of misstep by either the warring powers. The Xindi, new to the galactic stage are also eager to forge their own path.
An early look at the defense research tree.
You may notice that the weapons upgrade research options have been moved to this tree. While the military tree will focus largely on developing new spaceframes for your fleet, the defense tree will focus on your fleet's equipment, such as weapons upgrades, improvements to hull armour and shields, and special abilities.
Also, note how the research tree selection buttons have been updated to fit in with the new UI. :)
I'm guessing that image in the bottom left with the Intrepid is to do with Hull Polarization, and that'll lead to a line with shields to match the top two with armor and hit points...or maybe its the other way around, and the one in the bottom is the armor one.
IT IS A MYSTERY
...or maybe it is a structural integrity field tech. Hmmm.