These can be seen near anarchist stations, though in much smaller numbers than the Hornets.

Name	Earthzone-class armed shuttle
UNID	scEarthzone;
Class	Earthzone
Type	armed shuttle
Score	70
Mass	50
Cargo Space	50
Max Speed	20
Thrust	120
Maneuverability	4
Wreck Chance	35
Armor
titanium armor X4
Shields
class I deflector
Weapons
laser cannon

These have much better armor than the Hornets (and they have shields, too), but still the same weak weapon, and they're slower. They shouldn't be a problem.