The Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser is considered to be a fast and well-gunned design that is capable of standing up to corvettes and frigates. Its primary function however, is countering enemy starfighters. In that well suited role, the Tartan boasts fast-targeting laser cannons and sufficient agility to keep pace with its prey, starfighters. A secondary benefit of the Tartan's high agility, gives it a measure of protection against enemy starfighters from striking its weak spots.

    In those trying times of transition from the corrupt Old Republic to the Galactic Empire, piracy and seditious activity were on the rise. To help stem the flow of this lawlessness, DMC was contracted to develop a warship designed to deal with quick, diminutive craft. The early results were disappointing and pointed to the need of an advanced, but expensive tracking system to scan and acquire multiple, agile targets simultaneously. Once these improvements were incorporated, the Tartan was ready for service. In order to increase its firepower, this design has the ability to temporarily transfer power from its shields and engines to its weapons. However, this comes at the price of shield regeneration and engine speed. This capability is achieved via its versatile energy distribution network. For propulsion, the Tartan relied upon two large and six small engines.