An early attempt by the Romulans to build a small shuttle-sized attrition unit with which to counter Klingon small craft and to inundate Federation cruisers. The Gladiator models met with limited success in this department. Without warp capabilities the Gladiators were forced to be deployed upon dedicated carriers, and such vessels were expensive and rare within the Romulan fleet. The lessons learned from these models are reflected in later Romulan military doctrine, as their frigate craft descended from the original Vas'Hatham Birds of Prey take over the escort and fast interception roles for the fleet.