Shrike

• Base
• Pirate

Shrike-class Light Destroyer
Logistical data
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Maintenance (sup/month)	8
Cargo capacity	40
Maximum crew	40
Skeleton crew	20
Fuel capacity	60
Maximum burn	10
Fuel per light year	2
Ordnance points	85
Combat Performance
Hull integrity	2,800
Armor rating	250
Defense	Omni Shield
Flux capacity	5,400
Flux dissipation	350
Top speed	100
System	Plasma Burn
Mounts	1x Medium Energy 1x Medium Missile 5x Small Energy
Advanced Stats
CR per deployment	15%
Recovery cost (supplies)	8
Peak performance (sec)	300
Shield arc	150
Shield upkeep/sec	105
Shield flux/damage	0.7

	An advanced fast-attack light destroyer from the same design team as the near-ubiquitous Wolf, the Shrike's advanced propulsion system is designed to selectively vent plasma in a 'microburn' maneuver. This allows the Shrike to dart into tactical opportunities as they arise, strike, and escape before a proper counter-attack is mounted. Shields, armour, and sustained flux capacity are somewhat underwhelming due to the need to build a light yet economical hull which prioritizes attack speed, leading to the Shrike gaining the reputation as a glass cannon best entrusted to skilled captains. Certain unique structural elements in the plasma venting system are known to, which wear, corrode in oxygen-rich atmospheres, so care must be taken to re-apply ceramopolymer coating at each hull servicing.
–In-Game Description

Shrike (P)-class Light Destroyer
Logistical data
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Maintenance (sup/month)	8.0
Cargo capacity	40
Maximum crew	40
Skeleton crew	20
Fuel capacity	60
Maximum burn	10
Fuel per light year	2
Ordnance points	75
Combat Performance
Hull integrity	2,800
Armor rating	250
Defense	Omni Shield
Flux capacity	5,400
Flux dissipation	350
Top speed	100
System	Plasma Burn
Mounts	1x Small Hybrid 1x Medium Energy 1x Medium Missile 4x Small Energy
Advanced Stats
CR per deployment	15%
Recovery cost (supplies)	8
Peak performance (sec)	300
Shield arc	150
Shield upkeep/sec	105
Shield flux/damage	0.7

	This ship has been heavily modified - and poorly maintained - by its pirate crew. An advanced fast-attack light destroyer from the same design team as the near-ubiquitous Wolf, the Shrike's advanced propulsion system is designed to selectively vent plasma in a 'microburn' maneuver. This allows the Shrike to dart into tactical opportunities opportunities as they arise, strike, and escape before a proper counter-attack is mounted. Shields, armour, and sustained flux capacity are somewhat underwhelming due to the need to build a light yet economical hull which prioritizes attack speed, leading to the Shrike gaining the reputation as a glass cannon best entrusted to skilled captains. Certain unique structural elements in the plasma venting system are known to, which wear, corrode in oxygen-rich atmospheres, so care must be taken to re-apply ceramopolymer coating at each hull servicing.
–In-Game Description

Overview

The Shrike is a fast, cheap destroyer.

The pirate version prior to 0.95a was generally considered superior despite losing 5 OP, as it can fit a Railgun for shield-breaking. Nowadays there's a 10 OP difference between the two versions.

Super "Frigate"

Since the Shrike has light armaments for a destroyer, high combat speed, and burn 10, it can be thought of more as a high powered Frigate than as a regular destroyer. As part of a burn 10 hunter pack the Shrike really shines: its 350 + 200 = 550 dissipation with vents allows it to mount a powerful Heavy Blaster, letting it bully small ships with raw DPS and crack the armor of any larger ship it flanks. Its medium missile can be tailored to the situation, but a Sabot pod is a good choice to pair with a heavy blaster, as it allows the Shrike to quickly overwhelm enemy shields before pounding the hull.

The Shrike is still valuable in slower fleets as a skirmisher that harasses the enemy, but don't expect it to be able to overwhelm full powered destroyers by itself. Its extended peak performance time compared to frigates lets it contribute in a similar role in larger battles without undue supply consumption.

The Bonk

A horrifyingly questionable tactic is to align this destroyer with an enemy frigate then engage the Plasma Burn system to propel forward at 622 speed for a short distance. This allows the Shrike to cause significant ramming damage, despite only having about the same mass as a heavy frigate.

Change History

0.95a

• Shrike: increased OP to 85 (was: 80)
  • Shrike (P) has 75 OP

0.9.1a

• Shrike:
  • Increased maximum burn to 10 (was: 9)
  • Reduced supply cost to deploy and per month to 8 (was: 9)
• Added Shrike (P)
  • Small energy slot in the middle changed to hybrid
  • Ordnance points reduced by 5
  • Found in pirate fleets and the pirate blueprint package
  • Requires new campaign to show up in pirate fleets

0.9

• Added in 0.9

Only up to date for version 0.95. It is likely still broadly correct but not verified for the most up to date data yet. Please double check the Version History.