Hideki Class Patrol Craft

Comments:

The Hideki class picket ship is by far the most common military vessel in the Cardassian navy. Although a weak vessel in it's own right, it should not be underestimated as it is highly capable at that which it does.

The most comparable vessel in common use is probably the Klingon B'rel class Bird of Prey. However, while the B'rel is an entirely self sufficient attack vessel, the Hideki is entended for border patrol and system defence duties as well as supporting the main part of the Cardassian fleet. With that in mind, the Cardassian designers elected to reduce the range and interstellar capability of the Hideki both to reduce cost of the vessel and hopefully to gain an advantage over rival designs by specialising it for the intended role.

Precisely how successful they have been is arguable. Klingon Warbirds have taken a heavy toll on Hideki's recently - although this is in part due to Klingon cloaking technology. However, against the converted civilian ships available to bandits and pirates the Hideki is certainly very deadly and highly cost effective. Additionally, the Hideki is highly reliable and popular with it's crews. The Cardassian Navy employs at least a thousand of these tough little craft and they are a common sight in Cardassian space.

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