Scimitar

Heavy starfighter produced by the Kuat Consortium, originally designed for long escort missions protecting merchant convoys in the Fringe. A large-ish starfighter designed as a twin seater, though it has become increasingly common for a V-series robot to take up the second pilot seat.

Equipped with ballistic weapons, magitek cannon, missiles, and even options for torpedos, the Scimitar is extremely well-armed. It is also heavily armored for a starfighter; many pilots have learned to love the Scimitar because it can take battle damage and still make it home. It has also shown itself to be quite rugged in the field, showcasing the legendary reliability of Kuat products. Though it has poor maneuverability, it has a powerful enough engine to give it decent straightline speed -- but good luck turning the damned thing!

The Scimitar is a poor dogfighter, although it has a turret-mounted weapon operated by the co-pilot to try to compensate. The Scimitar can operate in an atmosphere, but that takes its maneuverability from "poor" to "total ass."

Squadrons of Scimitars have been used in the Republic Aerospace Fleets Escort Fleet in their intended role of long-range escort, and they've also had tremendous success as pirate chasers in the Fringe. There is also a variant that strips much of the weapons for an improved sensor package and comms gear; these "Scoutmitars" serve as recon units, scouting ahead of the main force.