Memory Alpha
Register
Advertisement
Memory Alpha

During the mid-23rd century, the Klingon Empire operated a type of small warship known as the Klingon Bird-of-Prey.

History[]

A ship of this type started the raid on Doctari Alpha in 2236. (DIS: "Perpetual Infinity")

Birds-of-Prey fought in the Battle of the Binary Stars in 2256, with several of them being destroyed. (DIS: "Battle at the Binary Stars")

Six months later, a number of Birds-of-Prey attacked the mining colony at Corvan II. They were destroyed by the USS Discovery. (DIS: "The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry")

Two Birds-of-Prey transported Dennas and Ujilli to their secret meeting on Cancri IV in December 2256. (DIS: "Lethe")

Klingon Fleet arrives at Earth

Birds-of-Prey in a Klingon fleet

Three Birds-of-Prey participated in the ambush of the USS Gagarin, one of which fired a torpedo that destroyed the Gagarin with all hands. (DIS: "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum")

Several Birds-of-Prey were part of the armada that gathered to attack Earth in 2257. (DIS: "Will You Take My Hand?")

Technical data[]

This type of Bird-of-Prey had a similar layout to preceding and succeeding designs: there was a central body with a forward "head" and "neck", a pair of "wings", and a single aft-mounted engine. Unlike other designs, the wings lacked cannon mounts at the tips. The ship was capable of operating in an atmosphere. Ships of this type had a search light located below the bridge area. (DIS: "Perpetual Infinity")

This ship was armed with disruptors and photon torpedoes. Its shields were unable to withstand sustained phaser fire. However, when operating in groups, they could overwhelm larger vessels such as the Federation Crossfield-class. After Kol claimed the Sarcophagus, he began installing cloaking devices on the Birds-of-Prey under his command. (DIS: "Battle at the Binary Stars", "The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry", "Lethe", "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum")

According to former Klingon General Dak'Rah, compared to the view from the bridge of a Constitution-class starship, a Bird-of-Prey was not meant to take in its surroundings. He further added that though Klingons would never admit it, he thinks the Federation has better ships. (SNW: "Under the Cloak of War")

Birds of Prey[]

Unnamed
  • Unnamed Klingon Birds-of-Prey (mid 23rd century)

Appendices[]

Appearances[]

Background information[]

The Bird-of-Prey appearing in Star Trek: Discovery was designed by John Dickenson and Sam Michlap, with guidance from Bryan Fuller to come up with a "different vibe" for the look of the Klingon fleet. While retaining the basic shape and some familiar elements of the Nilo Rodis and David Carson Bird-of-Prey, the creation of the Discovery Bird-of-Prey drew on Gothic cathedrals, Islamic architecture, and echoed the work of artist and Alien production designer H.R. Giger. (Star Trek: Discovery The Official Starships Collection, issue 4, pp. 8-14)

This class of Bird-of-Prey was named the "M'Chla class" by Cryptic Studios. [1] [2]

External link[]

Advertisement