Design/concept by Ratonpier

Notes:
Known Sphere of Operation: Triangle and Klingon Borders.
Data Reliability: D
Major Data Source: Triangle Sector Intelligence

        Designed as a suplement to the aging R-4 Mularr Class Escorts, The R-6 Guardian Class Escorts were built to eventually replace them. While it carries fewer weapons than its predecessor, it has better weapons range and firepower.
        40 of the Type 1 model were built over a three-year period starting in 2284 when the RP-4 Torpedo became available. Three years later the Type 2 was commissioned. With the introduction of the Type 2 the Impulse Engine was switched over to the RIE-1 which had seen years of service on the Mularr. This gave the Guardian the power it needed to become a versatile escort vessel. The longer range RB-6 Disruptors became the standard, and the R-4 M was installed. Although there were plans to increase the number of disruptors, resources for the additions were needed on other class upgrades underway at the time, and the weapons went to those other projects.
        The Type 1 is no longer in production, though 24 remain in active service operating along the Triangle Border, 12 were destroyed in actions with the Klingons, 2 were sold to private interests in the Triangle and 2 are reported as missing. Of the 172 Type 2's produced to date, eight are know to have been lost along the Klingon border and the remainder are assumed to be in active service. The Type 2 is being produced at a rate of 12-20 per year at various facilities.