Frigate

A frigate is a kind of military vessel designed for escort or picketing duty. Frigates are, under some classifications, a kind of Capital Ship as they can run independently of a support ship and are capable of initiating hyperspace jumps. However, unlike most capital ships frigates are usually deployed in large groups and have significantly less armor than their larger brethren, relying on speed and maneuverability to get the better of stronger foes. For this reason and others frigates are often classified separately from capital ships.

Sub-classifications
The main advantage of a frigate is the fact that it has strong firepower, often close to that of a larger capital ship, with more maneuverability and speed. Furthermore, with the exception of Ion Cannon Frigates, frigates generally have good coverage for a large ship and are effective anti-strike craft vessels. Frigates are therefore often designated as capital ship escorts, protecting the larger vessels from enemy strike craft. However, on occasion frigates are used in a purely offensive nature, particularly Ion Cannon Frigates.

However, because frigates have such weak armor compared to larger capital ships they are often vulnerable targets for bombers and larger Capital Ships.

Notable frigate types

 * Assault Frigates
 * Ion Cannon Frigates
 * Multi-Beam Frigates
 * Support Frigates
 * Unique Frigates
 * Kushan / Kiith Somtaaw
 * Drone Frigate
 * Ramming Frigate
 * Hive Frigate
 * Taiidan
 * Field Frigate
 * Hiigaran
 * Flak Frigate
 * Torpedo Frigate
 * Marine Frigate
 * Defense Field Frigate
 * Vaygr
 * Heavy Missile Frigate
 * Infiltrator Frigate
 * Galactonian
 * Heavy Assault Frigate
 * Advanced Support Frigate