Firelance-class Frigate

The Firelance-class Fregate is is a long range combat vessel developed and constructed by the Phoenix Systems Alliance to prepare for the greater threats looming outside charted territory. Based off the classic Cophuranee Patriot-class Frigate the original design has been radically reworked beyond recognition. The only thing still vaguely resembling the original Patriot is its elevate bridge module.

The heart of the ship is a single second generation fusion cannon, following a fairly simple principle: Rather than being integrated into a huge, slow and costly battlecruiser or dreadnought, the weapon is carried by a small ship. As such, these mobile long-range weapon platforms are way more flexible and cost-effective.

With the bulk of the ship's energy being consumed by its main gun, the Firelance's shields are considerably weaker than those of other ships of comparable size. During the firing sequence, the ship is unable to move and temporarily loses its shields, making it vulnerable to any attackers that manage to get in close. To compensate for this weakness the Firelance has been equipped with several layers of heavy armor to protect it during these critical moments.

Deployed at a rather large distance from its target, the Firelance has only a small number of defensive turrets, relying instead on escort ships for protection and generally keeping outside their enemies' firing range.