The missing scout layer in a space-carrier force

The fictional fighters have three crew members, a sensible arrangement for long missions that recalls naval aircraft with separate pilots, navigators and gunners. The books rely heavily on reconnaissance drones without a distinct long-range scouting aircraft in the volumes read so far. One proposed adaptation would give a fighter a limited independent jump capability. Its carrier could remain outside the system while the scout entered, deployed drones and gathered information. Small, expendable reconnaissance craft would reduce the need to send the main ship into an unknown situation.