Strafe Thrusters

"These lateral Strafe Thrusters allow a ship to travel faster sideways, an advanced technique known as strafing."

General
Strafe Thrusters are basic thrusters designed to increase strafe speed.

Advantages
Strafe Thrusters are excellent on frigates due to their relatively narrow firing arc, enabling them to fire at enemies while simultaneously flying away, without the need to completely turn away in order to gain distance.

They are also used on sniper decoys such as cruisers and frigates, which greatly enhances their ability to dodge incoming projectiles.

Ships with Strafe Thrusters can outmaneuver enemies in close combat, staying inside their blind spots while still being able to fire at them.

Disadvantages
Strafe Thrusters reduce turning speed similar to Rear Thrusters, although the penalty is less severe.

They perform worse than Rear Thrusters in most kiting/catching situations because your maximum speed (i.e. your forward speed) is not boosted, preventing you from gaining/closing distance.

Trivia

 * By equipping a frigate with Strafe Thrusters V, it becomes more efficient to strafe than to move straight forward. This is further exaggerated for the Osprey Frigate.