Klingon Bird-of-Prey (mid 23rd century)
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. ()

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

Six months later, a number of Birds-of-Prey attacked the mining colony at Corvan II. They were destroyed by the . ()

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

Three Birds-of-Prey participated in the ambush of the , one of which fired a torpedo that destroyed the Gagarin with all hands. ()

Several Birds-of-Prey were part of the armada that gathered to attack Earth in 2257. ()

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. ()

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 . After  claimed the Sarcophagus, he began installing cloaking devices on the Birds-of-Prey under his command. ()

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  Bird-of-Prey, the creation of the Discovery Bird-of-Prey drew on Gothic cathedrals, Islamic architecture, and echoed the work of artist and  production designer . (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.

External link 
 

Bird-of-Prey (mid 23rd century)