Kestrel Mk II: Difference between revisions

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Core Dynamics, used its own [[Core Dynamics Composites|composites]], made it expensive, highly maneuverable, and capacious. However, this came at the expense of hull thickness and durability, which was a positive tradeoff. Its armor rating is 126. The size 5 maneuvering [[thrusters]] are repurposed from [[Drone|drones]], although the Kestrel's thrusters only rotate slightly. [[Federation]] ships are known for their massive firepower, and the Kestrel Mk II has three large and two small slots. The power system consists of a size 5 [[Power Plant]] and a size 5 [[Power Distributor]]. The ship is adapted for [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)|overcharge]] and is equipped with a size 4 FSD drive. The size 2 [[Sensors]] and size 1 [[Life Support]] were trimmed to meet market demand for lighter weight. External equipment consists of four slots, while internal additional equipment consists of three size 2 slots, one each of size 5, size 3, and size 1, and two size 4 slots, one of which is a [[Fighter Hangar]].

The Kestrel Mk II continues the series of ships featuring unique modules available only to the Mk II. On the Kestrel Mk II, these are presented as the new "Mk II Maneuvering Thrusters" (not to be confused with the Mk II Gravity-enabled Maneuvering Thrusters for the Caspian Explorer), and a new weapon—the "Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II", which is similar in operation and functionality to a standard [[Shock Cannon]], but fires [[Plasma Slug|Plasma Slugs]] from the [[Fuel Tank|fuel tank]], similar to the experimental "Plasma Railgun" effect. According to initial tests[2], the PShA has 100% absolute damage, unlike classic plasma accelerators, which deal only 60% absolute damage, 20% kinetic damage, and 20% thermal damage. This means that the Kestrel simply ignores any resistance with its unique weapon. However, the PShA significantly heats up the ship when fired intensively over several volleys.

The Kestrel Mk II continues the series of ships featuring unique modules available only to the Mk II. On the Kestrel Mk II, these are presented as the new "Mk II Maneuvering Thrusters" (not to be confused with the Mk II Gravity-enabled Maneuvering Thrusters for the Caspian Explorer), and a new weapon—the "Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II" (abbreviated to PShA), which is similar in operation and functionality to a standard [[Shock Cannon]], but fires [[Plasma Slug|Plasma Slugs]] from the [[Fuel Tank|fuel tank]], similar to the experimental "Plasma Railgun" effect. According to initial tests,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9OzyZC0mwo Elite Dangerous | Plasma Shock Accelerator: damage type check] - Alswulf - 26 Feb 2026 - YouTube</ref> the PShA has 100% absolute damage, unlike classic plasma accelerators, which deal only 60% absolute damage, 20% kinetic damage, and 20% thermal damage. This means that the Kestrel simply ignores any resistance with its unique weapon. However, the PShA significantly heats up the ship when fired intensively over several volleys.

=== Combat Capabilities ===

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== Development ==

The Kestrel Mk II was unveiled during the Developer Log on 16 February 2026.<ref name=":0" />

The Kestrel Mk II was first teased on the Elite Dangerous account on the site X (x.com) on 14 February 2026.<ref>[https://x.com/elitedangerous/status/2022340171434222074 Elite Dangerous - A new hangar door is opening] - 13 Feb 2026 - on X</ref> unveiled during the Developer Log on 16 February 2026.<ref name=":0" />

==Videos==

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 Core Dynamics, used its own [[Core Dynamics Composites|composites]], made it expensive, highly maneuverable, and capacious. However, this came at the expense of hull thickness and durability, which was a positive tradeoff. Its armor rating is 126. The size 5 maneuvering [[thrusters]] are repurposed from [[Drone|drones]], although the Kestrel's thrusters only rotate slightly. [[Federation]] ships are known for their massive firepower, and the Kestrel Mk II has three large and two small slots. The power system consists of a size 5 [[Power Plant]] and a size 5 [[Power Distributor]]. The ship is adapted for [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)|overcharge]] and is equipped with a size 4 FSD drive. The size 2 [[Sensors]] and size 1 [[Life Support]] were trimmed to meet market demand for lighter weight. External equipment consists of four slots, while internal additional equipment consists of three size 2 slots, one each of size 5, size 3, and size 1, and two size 4 slots, one of which is a [[Fighter Hangar]].
-The Kestrel Mk II continues the series of ships featuring unique modules available only to the Mk II. On the Kestrel Mk II, these are presented as the new "Mk II Maneuvering Thrusters" (not to be confused with the Mk II Gravity-enabled Maneuvering Thrusters for the Caspian Explorer), and a new weapon—the "Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II", which is similar in operation and functionality to a standard [[Shock Cannon]], but fires [[Plasma Slug|Plasma Slugs]] from the [[Fuel Tank|fuel tank]], similar to the experimental "Plasma Railgun" effect. According to initial tests[2], the PShA has 100% absolute damage, unlike classic plasma accelerators, which deal only 60% absolute damage, 20% kinetic damage, and 20% thermal damage. This means that the Kestrel simply ignores any resistance with its unique weapon. However, the PShA significantly heats up the ship when fired intensively over several volleys.
+The Kestrel Mk II continues the series of ships featuring unique modules available only to the Mk II. On the Kestrel Mk II, these are presented as the new "Mk II Maneuvering Thrusters" (not to be confused with the Mk II Gravity-enabled Maneuvering Thrusters for the Caspian Explorer), and a new weapon—the "Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II" (abbreviated to PShA), which is similar in operation and functionality to a standard [[Shock Cannon]], but fires [[Plasma Slug|Plasma Slugs]] from the [[Fuel Tank|fuel tank]], similar to the experimental "Plasma Railgun" effect. According to initial tests,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9OzyZC0mwo Elite Dangerous | Plasma Shock Accelerator: damage type check] - Alswulf - 26 Feb 2026 - YouTube</ref> the PShA has 100% absolute damage, unlike classic plasma accelerators, which deal only 60% absolute damage, 20% kinetic damage, and 20% thermal damage. This means that the Kestrel simply ignores any resistance with its unique weapon. However, the PShA significantly heats up the ship when fired intensively over several volleys.
 === Combat Capabilities ===
@@ Line 250: / Line 250: @@
 == Development ==
-The Kestrel Mk II was unveiled during the Developer Log on 16 February 2026.<ref name=":0" />
+The Kestrel Mk II was first teased on the Elite Dangerous account on the site X (x.com) on 14 February 2026.<ref>[https://x.com/elitedangerous/status/2022340171434222074 Elite Dangerous - A new hangar door is opening] - 13 Feb 2026 - on X</ref> unveiled during the Developer Log on 16 February 2026.<ref name=":0" />
 ==Videos==

Kestrel Mk II: Difference between revisions

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