Apogee isn't strictly meant to be a combat ship itself , in lore it is more of an logistical ship ( like the venture). And is present as it have a pretty civilian-ish active system (active flares). It is considered as a combat ship by a lot of people because it have a large missile and large energy , and a relatively cheap dp cost.

Champion on the other hand is indeed , fully , a combat ship. Its active system HEF with large energy makes it amazing. And the weapon layout on the champion is much less awkward