I've tried three.
1. Viper III - Good for precision hits. Takes a bit of a beating well. Fast and maneuverable enough to stay out of real trouble. No room for anything but missiles and ammo limited.
2. DBX - Tried this for the extra weapon space. Not as good or as durable as the Viper.
3. Python - One large fixed beam, missiles on everything else. Not as nimble as the smaller ships, but plenty enough speed to get out of trouble when needed. Can take loads of punishment. Stable enough for precision bombing (even used the beam to take out skimmers when nothing was shooting at me). enough firepower to carpet bomb if needed (very satisfying

). Expensive for a ground assault ship though and when fitted out like that, no good at all for ship to ship combat. If the base if guarded by ships you will have to run away or bring a friend.