Explorer

The explorer frigate has sensor arrays that are capable of scanning a target warpcraft entirely in mere seconds, and then proceeding to analyze it and all the technologies that go into it. While the scanning does not simply hand over the technologies on the vessel on a silver platter, it provides information that can greatly enhance the researching process. Their weaponry is generally insignificant compared to combat-oriented frigates, yet in order for them to be effective they must be kept near the front lines. Otherwise they will never get within scanning range of an opposing vessel.