https://twitter.com/ntcdat/status/1878864380156416225Ships are qualify under hardpoints, tankiness, speed, maneuvering, choices available for weapons. All are supposingly almost fully engineered or at least for weapons, core modules and shield + shield booster.
Tier S: Fer-de-lance and Python Mk II
The FDL without doubt stays as the PvP King, even after the release of the Python Mk II. Very very strong shield for a medium ship, strong hardpoints, ~550m/s boost speed engineered, and its capacity to run different types of weapons, even the power hungry ones. Only problem might be its cockpit that takes a bit to get used to, and its lack of optional module slots mean if your shield is popped, it might be a GG already.
The Python MkII, comparing to the FDL, handles better, and has a competent set of hardpoints and shield power, but all of that come with having more tight power use and distro. Overall, still a very great pvp ship.
Tier A: Federal Assault Ship, Krait Mk II, Mamba
The FAS has been long a second place for PvP ships, just behind the FDL, and maybe behind the Python II at this point, fast and nimble, decent hardpoints.
Krait Mk II is a decent hull tank, its speed might fall just a bit behind the already mentioned ships, but its massive power plant and decent distro make up to it being able to pack some serious weapons.
Mamba is basically an FDL with faster boost speed, better cockpit but less firepower.
Tier B: Vulture, Chieftain, Krait Phantom and Mandalay
The Vulture and Chieftain are slightly better in this tier than the KP and the Mandalay, strong firepower, decent speed, tanky hull.
Krait Phantom and Mandalay are fun ships to try out with ok hardpoints for combat and good speed.
Tier C: Federal Corvette and Imperial Cutter
Both are powerful in PvE combat, of course it doesn't mean they are god-tier for PvP where everyone is flying a medium ship. In this case we're only talking about large ship versus large ship where they would perform well. The vette has better fire power and can easily demolish another large ship, meanwhile the Cutter is faster and somehow (just how I feel it) has stronger shield, must be something with its profile.
Tier D: Python Mk I and Cobra Mk V
At this point these are just for fun options, the Python Mk I is basically a Krait Mk II with less speed and handling, and the newly released Cobra Mk V has pretty good hardpoints for a small ship.
Always keep in mind that ship and meta are just relative, pilot's skill is 90% of the game, have fun, and keep a good sportmanship when it comes to PvP!
Fly Dangerously o7