Gunboat

Ultimately, the distinction between ground, air, and space craft disappears for military vehicles, and a single type of vehicle assumes all of the roles for system defense. Called gunboats, they are capable of extended operations in vacuum, atmosphere and water, ready to continue resistance to enemy action. Individually, the vessels are strongly armed, and can fight enemy ships while later supporting ground troops or bomb enemy installations. Further, they can continue resistance for long periods, hiding on oceans or in the local gas giants, and coming out only when there is promise of enemy losses.

Typically, a gunboat is fast, well-armed, and well-armored. It is capable of a wide variety of military responses, and has a high survival potential. Mass displacement: 200 to 600 tons. See also System Defense Boat.

- Source: Supplement 8 Library Data (A-M)

Non-Canon

Feel free to enter further information and/or personal experiences with this type of ship.