Corvettes

The Corvette class became an essential resource for colonial convoy protection until larger vessels such as destroyer escorts and frigates could be produced in sufficient quantities. The size of the class varies between 55 and 150 meters. The simple design of the emerging class using parts and techniques common to merchant shipping meant they could be constructed in small commercial shipyards all over the Empire and the colonies, where larger and more sophisticated warships could not be built. Additionally, the use of commercial machinery meant that the crew - who were mainly enlisted merchant reserve forces would be familiar with their operation.

Additional Information
Corvette class vessels are very lightly armed as they were intended solely for anti pirate (mainly gunships) warfare; many of these ships were fitted with pinpoint precision beam weapons and anti-cloak equipment to be able to counter the fast, highly agile pirate gunships who preferred the cloak, ambush, hit and run tactics on the slow and unarmored freighters. However as time passed, many private companies and factions realized how well this class fits for multiple purposes while being cheap to produce, so the class became the universal support vessel for small gunship fleets as well as for general/scientific purpose. The design is so well-thought and versatile, that even small pirate organizations are able to produce their modified versions using salvaged parts and scrap metal.

See more information about the next class - Frigates, previous class - Gunships, or go back to the page where all ships are listed.