Bird-of-Prey class starship - Definition and Overview

The Bird-of-Prey class was a variety of Romulan starship in the Star Trek fictional universe, in use during the 2260s (not to be confused with the Klingon planform also known as the bird-of-prey). Birds-of-Prey had advanced weapons compared to Starfleet ships of the period, featuring a cloaking device and powerful plasma-based weapon; however, the ships were slower than Federation craft, possibly even lacking warp drive. Ships of this class were built as a saucer-shaped primary hull with two nacelles attached by forward-angled pylons; the most distinctive feature, however, was a red and yellow bird in flight painted onto the bottom of the hull.

In the well-known Star Trek episode "Balance of Terror", one such vessel crossed the Romulan neutral zone, destroyed three outpost satellites, and retreated as a test of Federation strength; however, the Bird-of-Prey was destroyed by the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) before it reached Romulan space, possibly causing the century-long wait before another Romulan vessel was seen.

Specifications

• Type: Heavy cruiser
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 33 m
  • Length: 131 m
  • Beam: 234 m
• Accommodation: Unknown
• Propulsion:
  • Two or more nuclear fusion impulse engines
  • Possibly an unknown power source (likely plasma-producing) powering two warp engines
• Performance: Capacity for faster-than-light speeds is unknown; top speed is unknown
• Weaponry:
  • One plasma torpedo launcher
  • Probably one or more torpedo launchers
  • Possibly other weapons
• Defenses:
  • Cloaking device
  • Probably deflector shields

External links

• "Romulan Bird-of-Prey" at Memory Alpha (http://memoryalpha.st-minutiae.com/wiki/Romulan_Bird-of-Prey)
• "Romulan ship classes" at Ex Astris Scientia (http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/schematics/romulan_ships.htm) - The Bird-of-Prey is the first one down