"other chaser was a Caterpillar, a modified cargo hauler; big, slow and certainly not going to win any battles of maneuver"
So a Caterpillar will indeed be slow and not very maneuverable, so will likely need to work with at least one Cutlass for small-scale piracy operations.
"Caterpillar was almost on top of the hauler, probably using its tractors to haul the cargo vessel"
Sounds like more confirmation you can tow disabled ships.
"slid sideways as the ECM suite lit up with warnings"
ECM for small ships! Possibly stock on the 325.
"Both missiles from his first salvo easily overtook the Cutlass and its inexperienced pilot: the first detonation downed its shields "
Sounds like missiles will be fairly hard-hitting. Wondering if they might be expensive.
"trusting to the 325’s better speed to get him in and out before the Cutlass could peg him with sufficient cannon fire " ... "The Cutlass followed, inferior thrust costing her position with each passing second, despite the Cutlass’ better turning capability."
So a stock 325 should be faster than a Cutlass, but the Cutlass will be more maneuverable. That makes sense from the stats, but is helpful to start figuring out mass vs. thrust ratios for speed.
On your missiles bit, they better be expensive because that sounds powerful. Also they're limited in the first place, since ships like the Aurora can only have 4.
Some interesting hints in here:
So a Caterpillar will indeed be slow and not very maneuverable, so will likely need to work with at least one Cutlass for small-scale piracy operations.
Sounds like more confirmation you can tow disabled ships.
ECM for small ships! Possibly stock on the 325.
Sounds like missiles will be fairly hard-hitting. Wondering if they might be expensive.
So a stock 325 should be faster than a Cutlass, but the Cutlass will be more maneuverable. That makes sense from the stats, but is helpful to start figuring out mass vs. thrust ratios for speed.
On your missiles bit, they better be expensive because that sounds powerful. Also they're limited in the first place, since ships like the Aurora can only have 4.
Even the 325a only comes with 4.