The Nebulon-B escort Frigate was just one of many of different types of ships used in the Rebel fleet. Measuring three hundred metres long, it was an Imperial design for use against starfighters. The Rebels got their hands on them through capturing them at battles, and when frigate crews defected to the Alliance. Although it was initially used as it was meant to be, as larger ships entered the Alliance’s fleet, the Nebulon-Bs were converted into search and rescue ships, reconnaissance ships and, more usually, into medical frigates.
Two squadrons of twelve fighters each are stationed aboard the frigates, while twelve turbolaser batteries protect it against capital ships. Two tractor-beam projectors are usually fitted, mainly to drag in damaged starfighters. The frigates also served as maintenance ships, as they were normally equipped with fixtures for repairing light and medium craft. It is classed as a medium-size combat vessel, but the Nebulon-B is the most powerful in its class, apart from the Carrack-class cruiser. But the frigate’s two squadrons make it the stronger of the two.
Due to its superior sensors and multi-frequency antennas, Nebulon-Bs often relay battle information to the command vessel or, if the Rebel taskforce is not adequately equipped, they are sometimes made the command vessel. Although it was slow and unwieldy to pilot, Alliance commanders used the frigates to their full potentials. The sensors were excellent for finding out information on Imperial bases, so that a Nebulon-B could be sent in, take out the base with its fighters, and jump out of the system before the Imperials could respond. This method of attack proved very successful, and the frigates did not usually enter the battle zone.
The medical frigate has room for over seven hundred patients and is kitted out with the most modern medical facilities and materials. All this means that the patient survival rate is as high as 98 percent. The medical facilities do mean that the frigate’s weapons have been down-sized. Instead of twelve turbolasers, there are only six, along worth eight laser cannons. The hangar bays have been converted for medical uses, so the frigate carries no starfighters, and has to rely on other craft for protection.