Sword Frigate

Sword Class Frigate is top left.

The Sword Class Frigate is a very old design, dating back to the earliest days of the Imperium. All its components have been redesigned, and refined to a high level. Its laser based weapons batteries provide equal fire power to those of the less reliable plasma based alternatives, and are able to fire to both sides, and forward with full strength. It's engines are powerful, yet simple enough to be maintained by an artificer with minimal training. It is a classic escort, and it is exceptionally rare to see an Imperial battleship with out at least two, if not more, Sword class ships by its side.¹

In its role as an escort, the Sword is expected to come under fire, and so is designed with this in mind. Its bulkheads are thicker than would be expected, and the beams and supports that hold the ship together have redundant copies nearby, that will take the load if the primary beam or support fails. Due to this, the Sword can take more punishment than would be expected for a ship of its diminutive size. Sword Class Frigates are often seen fighting alongside Space Marine formations.¹

Notable Sword Class squadrons include:

• Red Squadron
• Blue Squadron
• Omega Squadron
• The Nightstalkers^{[Needs Citation]}

Sources

• ¹:Battlefleet Gothic Rulebook p113