Pirate Smuggler
The Smuggler is well named, and often used for moving illicit cargo or breaking blockades. Surprisingly fast for her ship class the Smuggler is also well armed. Three ripper guns allow her to quickly dispatch fighter patrols that may try and stop her, and ion cannons and short burst quad auto cannons make short work of escorts. Long range sensors allow her to pick her battles, and the smuggler is likely to rely on her speed to outrun and avoid larger capital ships.
Smugglers are found in fair numbers in pirate fleets. Pirates threaten both the Federation and the Alliance, so you will be fighting them in both campaigns. The Smuggler is a versatile escort that can pose a threat to fighter squadrons or single escorts. Smugglers don't normally hold up well against capital ships, but they are fast with a good evasion for their ship class.
Will you defend the Frontier?