Frigates, though smaller than a cruiser and lacking the heavy armor and the capital weaponry of a larger class, are extremely useful in a combat situation due to their maneuverability and highly configurable upgrade options. Even the least expensive models feature numerous upgrade slots and multiple hard points for turrets and missiles. Frigates are also frequently used for boarding actions; a single ship can support a team of marines capable of taking the fight to the decks of larger warships and stations. __TOC__