Lancer Frigate

An Imperial capital ship built by Kuat Drive Yards, the Lancer-class was proposed by Admiral Drez following the Battle of Yavin. KDY built a limited number of them as test prototypes, but found that they were very expensive to build. The Lancer's primary mission was to screen off enemy starfighters early in an engagement, paving the way for large ship-to-ship combat which Imperial-class Star Destroyers were more than capable of winning. The Lancer-class didn't get a fair chance to prove its worth until Grand Admiral Thrawn appeared from the Unknown Regions. He was able to put the Lancers to work in key raiding missions on New Republic worlds. These 250-meter-long ships normally have a crew of 850, with room for 40 additional troops. They are equipped with 20 quad-laser cannon batteries. (source: Unofficial Star Wars Encyclopedia)

The Lancer Frigate was essential a mobile anti-starfighter platform that served to free up Imperial capital ships to target Rebel capital ships. Armed only with anti-starfighter weapons, the Lancer Frigate is the Empire's equivalent to CEC's Corellian Gunship.