Kestrel Airfighter

Kestrel Airfighter
Maximum gross mass	11t
Empty mass	20t
Payload	9t
Main thruster accel	25.2g
Retro thruster accel	6g
Gun mountings	1
Missiles	2
Crew	1
Hyperdrive ranges	Class 1 Military:15.00 Class 2:60.00
Standard drive	Class 1 Military
Fuel scoop	no

Overview

As its name suggests the Kestrel has been adapted from an air fighter and while its performance in an atmosphere is very good it is a lackluster interstellar ship. When used by the military the Kestrel is typically fitted with an interplanetary drive and deployed from within a larger mother ship inside the solar system of its target. The larger room afforded by the smaller drive allows the Kestrel to be an effective planetary attack ship when used in large numbers.

When fitted with a military drive the Kestrel struggles to find an effective role. If used it is most commonly seen as a very fast messenger or courier. Its high acceleration allows for the fast delivery of small documents and packages in the military and civilian sector. In recent years the Kestrel has been made obsolete by the larger and faster Falcon in this role.

The Kestrel is considered somewhat of a "sports car" of ships. Fast but not particularly comfortable or practical.

Notable Features

The Kestrel has a high acceleration.

Disadvantages

Too small for much except joyriding.

Verdict

Useless, for everything but courier runs because even the small military drive is too big for this craft. You can only fit in a 1MW Pulse Laser, and even then you'll have to forego either Scanner or Autopilot if you actually want to take some fuel to go anywhere.