Kestrel
RELATED UNI-WIKI REFERENCES
|
The Kestrel is a heavy missile boat with 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 as a result it can not be equipped with turret weapons nor with mining lasers. SHIP BONUSES
Caldari Frigate bonuses (per skill level):
Ship Attributes
|
Summary
As expected of the Caldari, the Kestrel is the premier T1 missile frigate. With 4 mid slots, it is highly flexible but lacks the speed of the Condor or the strong shield tank of the Merlin. The Kestrel makes an excellent frigate for level 1 missions, using the superior range of missiles to avoid damage. It is also common in solo PvP in low-security space where the versatility granted by its mid slots is highly valued.
Skills
Caldari Frigate is the clearest way to improve the Kestrel's performance. Note that the bonus is not purely on damage but also adds to missile velocity which boosts the Kestrel's range. This gives extra room to kite further out against similar rocket ships like the Condor or Breacher.
Other than this and strong missile support skills, the Kestrel is not very skill intensive making it a good starting ship.
Tactics
In lowsec solo PvP the most common fit for the Kestrel is an armor tank with dual webs, a scram, and an afterburner. When flying this kind of fit but also more generally, the Kestrel's rocket range allow it to outrange autocannons , blasters, and even pulse lasers with good support skills. When fighting an opponent with long-range weapons like artillery the Kestrel can often get under the guns of the opponent by orbiting close, as the dual webs help make up for the Kestrel's slow speed. The dual webs also can slow down most opponents enough that Rage Rockets will apply their full damage.
Notes
You can add notes here.