The Sacheen-class light escort holds the distinction of being the inaugural ship class constructed under the banner of the New Republic's New Class Modernization Program.
These vessels measured 375 meters in length and boasted an armament consisting of 10 heavy turbolaser cannons, complemented by 8 laser cannons, in addition to 8 ion cannons. Sacheen-class escorts featured a hangar bay sufficient to accommodate a single squadron of short-range starfighters.
Nevertheless, a significant number of these vessels, particularly those integrated into group operations, experienced delays in receiving their allocated starfighters. The Sacheen-class was outfitted with a notably swift Class 1 hyperdrive.
Designed and manufactured by the Republic Engineering Corporation, the Sacheen-class ships represented the smallest vessels within the New Class lineup capable of conducting prolonged independent missions.
When functioning autonomously, or with limited starfighter support, these vessels were frequently deployed for patrol assignments. Conversely, when operating as part of a battle group, Sacheen-class ships were typically assigned to provide screening protection for larger capital ships, or to act as escorts for convoys comprised of Hajen-class fleet tenders.
Despite being categorized as a light escort, the Sacheen possessed the capacity to engage opposing capital ships utilizing its potent heavy turbolaser cannons.
Subsequently, the Hajen-class fleet tender was derived from the same fundamental hull and system architecture as the Sacheen. The successful implementation of this approach, involving the utilization of a common core design for diverse configurations, led to its adoption for all subsequent New Class designs.
Within the RPG sourcebook Cracken's Threat Dossier and The Essential Guide to Warfare, the Sacheen is classified as an "escort cruiser", although such a designation may be considered an exaggeration given its relatively modest size and armament. In Shield of Lies, it's identified as a "gun frigate". Cracken's Threat Dossier also presents the sole officially recognized visual representation of the Sacheen. However, similar to the depictions of other New Class ships, this image contradicts details presented in the Black Fleet Crisis novels, which served as the basis for Cracken's Threat Dossier. Specifically, the visual disparity between the Hajen and Sacheen classes is significant, despite their supposed shared hull design. Consequently, this image is widely regarded as inaccurate and dismissed as non-canon by numerous enthusiasts.