I was about to give up on saucer separation, because I couldn't find any way that I liked to do it... until I saw something Raven was working on, as well as the suggestion above.
Here's the result, which is introductory, but I'm pleased so far.
As to the armaments, i would like to do something somewhat special, but I don't want to get into detail about it right now.
As to the aero-shuttle idea. It will be a go.