Optimal loadout for Death Drop missions

I have the second ship and a combination of scatter turrets, mining lasers, flak cannons, the long range broadsides (forget what they're called at the moment). Hull, shields, and deflector are all upgraded to Mk II as well. I have the second ship.

However, when I pick up the cargo for the Death Drop missions, a ton of smaller fighters, bombers, and gunships show up and surround you (maybe a corvette or 2? I don't remember seeing anything larger). I can take out a few fighters and bombers before my shields get absolutely devastated, I begin retreating, and eventually get destroyed.

I've got to be doing something wrong here. I'm assuming my loadout could also be to blame. Maybe my strategy is just plain wrong. The difficulty shows "Average" but it feels much harder than most. For now, I've just attempting these.