In order to avoid the static formations that larger carriers
require, the Grange mini-carrier is small and light enough to move
with the Yaeger swirling tactics. An early innovation, the Grange
ships grew less popular with the innovation of starfighter
hyperdrives, though they are still quite useful (especially the
fully modernized 20C1). They can carry ships for long range
strikes, and can cause enemy craft to underestimate the numbers of
fighters arrayed against them. Finally, they can act as a
launching platform for high powered non-hyperdrive equipped ships,
or for various forms of atmospheric craft.
Still, the mission profiles of the Grange have been limited in
recent years, and Yaeger Yards has been experimenting with other
configurations of the combat tested design. It is not very well
designed as a freighter or a troop transport, as it's somewhat
triangular form, and it's fighter slings and repair area tend to
get in the way. Reconfigured Grange ships are often used to lure
opposing ships out of formation, breaking down battle plans of
fleets less well designed for the chaotic combat that the Yaeger
prefer.