The CRUISER is the modern equivalent of the FRIGATE. Although much more powerful than its sailing forebear, it is still designed to be a sea raider and escort. In addition, it can conduct naval bombardment of land targets like a BATTLESHIP, but with much less firepower. It also costs much less than a BATTLESHIP and moves faster. A CRUISER is not generally able to stand up to enemy BATTLESHIPS in combat, but it can still fulfill useful scouting functions and attack unescorted TRANSPORTS.
