K-22 (Bird of Prey) Class V-VI Scout

 
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: A for all models
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence

The infamous K-22 (Bird Of Prey) scout is the Klingon prong of the double threat posed to Star Fleet by vessels of this design, equipped with cloaking devices and operated by both the Klingon and Romulan navies. The wing mechanisms of these vessels are ingenious and pratical, the most interesting feature of the design. When the vessel is cruising, the wings are extended horizontally, which distributes the stress evenly throughout the vessel. When in combat, the wings are down, which gives a broader field of fire and protects a weak area on the lower central hull. When performing atmospheric operations, the wings are up, which gives more lift when the ‘feather” plates located along the wings, (originally thought to be merely decorative), are individually adjusted to compensate for air turbulence.

The command pod of the K-22 is a blending of Klingon and Romulan designs, but it cannot be detached in an emergency, for the heart of the ship is located in the main hull, including the computer system and the life-support system. Also located within the aft hull of the ship are the warp engines, which cannot be jettisoned, as well as the transporter system and the exit ramp. The cloaking device that is used on this vessel is unreliable at best; it has been confirmed the device is capable of driving crewmembers mad, though Federation medical specialists do not fully understand the cause.

The most important fact concerning the construction of these vessels was that the Klingons already were producing approximately 80% of the internal components prior to receiving prototypes from the Romulans. On Stardate 2/1805, the Romulans delivered seven hulls and an undetermined number of cloaking devices, and, within 13 months, the Imperial Navy commissioned its first vessels.

The S-11 hulls were fitted out into the K-22A. As received from the Romulans, they had no mounting point for an aft-firing disruptor. Intelligence reports indicate that all seven of these vessels were completed, but that afterward no production-model vessels were constructed. The disposition of these seven ships is unknown.

The first production model, the K-22B, was modified to accept the KD-12. A further modification was made to allow the KSD shielding system to be installed. These systems increase offensive capabilities by 25% and defensive capabilities by 45%. These vessels are very maneuverable in combat and have an impressive offensive capability. Although they are not really capable of fighting major warships, they are able to defend themselves long enough to engage their warp systems to escape, with the ability to travel at Warp 8 in emergencies.

The K-22B may be found in all areas of space, performing its missions of espionage and terrorism; they have been reported by Klingon, Triangle, Romulan, and Spinward Sector Intelligence as operating in those respective areas. The ability of the ship to penetrate outer defenses and travel freely about the Federation was seen recently, when one of them was captured by Admiral James T. Kirk. In an attempt to steal the plans of the secret Genesis Project, a K-22B penetrated Federation space undetected as far as the Mutara Nebula. Most of the information about this class, and the similar Romulan S-11 scout, was obtained from the computer banks of the captured vessel.

The class name is a reference to the Romulan name for the S-11; the Klingon name D’Gavama is a direct translation of “bird of prey”