Canon Facts Backstage Info  Speculation

Notes : Perhaps the most successful design of vessel in history, the B'Rel class has been in service in larger numbers over more subtypes for a longer time than any other class in known space. First fielded in the late 2270's, the B'Rel was built from the start to fill a variety of roles. As a special operations ship she would using her cloak to penetrate Federation border defences and attack lightly defended targets such as sensor outposts, communications relays and cargo craft, creating confusion in advance of a Klingon fleet attack. She was also a natural scout ship, ideal for locating and tracking Federation fleets from under cloak. During the long period of tensions between the Federation and Klingon Empire, many B'Rel class vessels operated as Raiders, cruising deep inside Federation space to pick off occasional lone vessels or outposts.

Although the B'Rel was a potent threat to the Federation in this role, one such vessel was captured by Admiral Kirk in 2285. The Admiral was at this time operating outside of Starfleet authority, and the vessel concerned later sank in San Francisco Bay during an attempted landing; nevertheless, on his return to Starfleet Admiral Kirk and his crew provided full details of the vessels operation. The ship itself was raised from the water and subjected to detailed analysis. This provided crucial help in devising countermeasures for use against the B'Rel, allowing Starfleet to modify the sensor networks already in operation on its ships and installations in order to significantly increase their effectiveness. Despite this coup, these vessels have remained a factor to be reckoned with ever since. Many hundreds continue in service until the present day, naturally having been vastly upgraded and refitted over the years.

In design the B'Rel conforms to Klingon norms, with a single torpedo tube at the extreme forward point of the hull. The command centre is above this, with crew quarters - such as they are - located in the 'neck' section directly aft. The rear of the ship comprises the engineering compartments and a small cargo bay. A pair of wings carry small disrupter cannon at their tips, while a single fire emergency torpedo tube provides a backup to the main armament. The wings allow the B'Rel to operate in an atmosphere and landing gear is fitted, the first Warp capable craft known to have this ability.