Corvette-class light frigate (Books)

Martian yards build the Corvette-class light frigate small and then work it hard. It is among the smallest ships the Martian Congressional Republic Navy commissions and one of the busiest. A single Epstein drive, two torpedo bays and a spread of point defense cannons make it quick and well armed for its size, and Martian design fits a surprising amount of crew accommodation into a small hull. The work is varied: reconnaissance, surveillance, law enforcement, putting boarding parties onto other ships. An armory aboard lets it carry a small complement of Martian marines properly equipped, though there is not enough powered armor for all of them. Larger warships carry Corvettes docked. In groups they are used like a wolf pack, several of them running down something far bigger.