It's actually a "Destroyer Class" rather than a Raider.  Destroyers are the smallest warp capable vessels regularly fielded by Naval forces, and they're generally used to destroy the escort vessels of capital ships, and en masse, to blow up capital ships themselves.<br/><br/>Compared to Frigates, Raiders/Destroyers have less armor, a flimsier hull, and an "All front" weapon configuration, that makes them vulnerable to vessels that can outmaneuver them.<br/><br/>As a sloop, you're still outgunned by a considerable margin, but with some hotshot flying you could still win.