The Kadeshi Multi-Beam Frigate, often called the MBF, is an Ion Cannon frigate used by the Kadeshi as a primary weapon against capital ships. This is one of the most efficient capital ship killers in the game, as it possessed four ion cannons, two mounted on each side of the hull. The Kadeshi use these deadly frigates in groups of three or more to utterly devastate their opponents. When Multi-Beam frigates attack, they tend to perform a barrel roll, most likely to distribute damage across the target's hull, but also probably for better heat distribution. It is known that the Kushan met 17 Multi-Beam Frigates in the Great Nebula (and another two in the Sea of Lost Souls). The size and colour of the multi-beam frigates can often be confused with the Kadeshi Fuel Pod.
The Multi-Beam Frigate unleashes its merciless wrath.
If the player captures at least some of these frigates, they will greatly increase the player's battlefield prowess. In fact, an online walkthrough says that "capture all 19 of them and you won't be lacking firepower for the rest of the game."