Kestrel

Kestrel The Kestrel is a heavy missile boat with a fairly large cargo space and one of the most sophisticated sensor arrays around. Interestingly enough, it has been used by both the Caldari Navy and several wealthy trade corporations as a cargo-hauling vessel. It is one of few trading vessels with good punching power, making it ideal for solo trade-runs in dangerous areas. The Kestrel was designed so that it could take up to four missile launchers but instead it can not be equipped with turret weapons nor mining lasers. Special Ability: 10% bonus to Kinetic missile damage and 5% bonus to EM, Explosive, and Thermal missile damage per level. Fitting powergrid Output 30 MW Low Slots 2 Med Slots 3 High Slots 4 CPU Output 150 tf Launcher hardpoints 4 Turret hardpoints 0 Calibration 400 points Upgrade Hardpoints 3 Structure Max Velocity 296 m/sec Inertia Modifier 2.71 Magpulse Propulsion Strength 4 points Mass 1,163,000 kg Volume 19700 m3 Capacity 305 m3 Capacitor Recharge time 187.50 sec Capacitor Capacity 250 Energy Targeting Maximum Targeting Range 40 km Max Locked Targets 3 Gravimetric Sensor Strength 10 points Signature Radius 47 m Scan Resolution 465 mm Shield Shield Capacity 391 HP Shield Em Damage Resistance 0 % Shield Explosive Damage Resistance 50 % Shield Kinetic Damage Resistance 40 % Shield Thermal Damage Resistance 20 % Shield recharge time 625.00 sec Armor Armor Hitpoints 313 HP Armor Em Damage Resistance 50 % Armor Explosive Damage Resistance 10 % Armor Kinetic Damage Resistance 25 % Armor Thermal Damage Resistance 45 % Miscellaneous Tech Level 1

Blueprint Kestrel Blueprint Required skills Primary Skill required Caldari Frigate III Spaceship Command I Material Requirements Material / Mineral Tritanium 16,337 Mexallon 2,837 Isogen 947 Nocxium 1 Zydrine 1 Waste Waste Factor 10% Reprocess Material / Mineral Tritanium 14,852 Mexallon 2,579 Isogen 861 Nocxium 1 Zydrine 1

Additional Information

Also nicknamed the kessy, the Kestrel is probably the first missile boat that starting players will use. It provides an excellent introduction to the ease of use and damage flexibility of missiles. The impressive damage bonus means that a properly handled Kestrel can pop most frigates in only a few short volleys.

That being said, new players should still be careful since the Kestrel has a very weak shield tank and tend to die quickly when subjected to continued damage. Therefore, the best type of "tanking" to do with it is Range tanking, which on level 1 combat missions can be rather easy to do given the usual long range of missles. Training in the Missile Bombardment, Missile Projection and Long Range Targeting skills will definitely help in this regard, and an afterburner should be equipped to help maintain your distance from enemy ships.

While rare, some pilots do use the Kestrel as a quick and cheap cargo hauler. Its high top speed and cargo capacity are perfect for level 1 and two transport missions, and the ample grid lets it fit two small capacitor batteries and an afterburner to help warp from the most distant of jump gates on autopilot.

Additional Images

Below are additional ships images. Click the image below for a larger version:

Kestrel 1

Kestrel 2