Support frigate was a starship classification used by both the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire in the alternate reality created by the temporal displacement of the Narada. Support frigate were not usual armed for offensive actions, but were instead equipped with a support beam, which could be used to transfer energy and shield power to allied vessels. Support beam could also be configured to destroy asteroids and small targets such as escape pods. Starfleet's Guardian-class and the Romulan's Patronus-class were designated support frigates. (TOS video game: D-A-C)