Foray-class frigate

Foray-class frigate "Try shipping out on a Foray-class frigate sometime. They make Hammerhead cruisers look like luxury liners."

- Laera Reyolé to Silas Dan'kre, about the Foray-class

The Foray-class frigate was a class of light frigate designed by for use by the Republic Navy, making its operational debut in 3967 BBY. Intended to serve as a mass-produced vessel capable of guarding trade routes between the various worlds of the Galactic Republic, the Mandalorian Wars saw the Foray-class put to a variety of other uses. These ranged from running Mandalorian blockades in order to evacuate soldiers and civilians, to convoy protection and anti-starfighter work as well as scouting, ferrying important cargo, and supporting the battle line in fleet engagements. During the Jedi Civil War, the Foray-class became a vital partner of the Hammerhead-class cruiser, as most of the Republic's larger vessels were either stolen or destroyed by Darth Revan and Darth Malak.

Because of its high power-to-weight ratio, the Foray-class had a high sublight speed and acceleration rating, and could outrun most ships of its size, to say nothing of larger classes of warships. As such, they often played a vanguard role in battle, drawing the fire of enemy vessels and allowing their cruiser counterparts to engage directly. With two dual turbolaser turrets flanking the forward hull, as well as six anti-starfighter medium laser cannon, frigates of this class could engage in hit-and-fade attacks against enemy lines of battle. Because of their relatively low cost, many ships of this design were produced during the two wars, such that after Darth Malak's defeat, many local authorities were able to afford to purchase second-hand models for use by their own defense forces.

Characteristics
The Foray-class frigate was notable for its up-front armament, with two dual turbolaser turrets on each side just aft of the bow providing ample head-on firepower for a warship of its size and class. Its main hull was fairly slim with a rounded-off square cross-section, its two main engines&mdash;each almost as large in cross-section as the hull itself&mdash;mounted astride the stern via short, thick pylons. Its anti-starfighter medium laser cannons were mounted three a side along the hull, lining the superstructure aft of the forward turrets. The command bridge was located along the ventral hull, the main viewports some ways back from the prow, with an auxiliary bridge on the dorsal side athwartships of the engines.

Ships of this class were intended to be mass-produced, and to the annoyance of its crews, this was manifest in many ways including the availability of space and comforts for crew and passengers. Foray-class vessels were also capable of atmospheric entry and landing, an ability which would serve the Republic Navy well during its use of in wartime, particularly in regards to troop deployment or evacuation. Because of its large twin powerplants, this class was also known for its speed and acceleration.