Shrike

Up to date for latest version, 0.97a.

Shrike-class Light Destroyer
High Tech Destroyer
20,000c
Logistical data
CR per deployment	15%
CR per deployment	15%
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Recovery cost (supplies)	8
Recovery cost (supplies)	8
Deployment points	8
Deployment points	8
Peak performance (sec)	300
Peak performance (sec)	300
Ordnance points	85
Ordnance points	85
Maintenance (supplies/month)	8
Maintenance (supplies/month)	8
Cargo capacity	40
Cargo capacity	40
Maximum crew	40
Maximum crew	40
Skeleton crew required	20
Skeleton crew required	20
Fuel capacity	60
Fuel capacity	60
Maximum burn	10
Maximum burn	10
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	2
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	2
Combat performance
Hull integrity	2800
Armor rating	250
Flux capacity	5400
Flux dissipation	350
Top speed	100
Systems
Defense	Omni Shield
Shield arc	150
Shield upkeep/sec	105
Shield flux/damage	0.7
System	Plasma Burn
Mounts	1x Medium Energy 1x Medium Missile 5x Small Energy

	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, armor, 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, with wear, corrode in oxygen-rich atmospheres, so care must be taken to re-apply ceramopolymer coating at each hull servicing.
–In-game description

Shrike • Shrike (P)

The Shrike-class Light Destroyer is a fast and quick ship highly capable of harassment duties, but unable to hold the line of battle by itself.

Overview

The Shrike is a fast and cheap Destroyer. Composed of higher-than-average flux stats, its hull and armor are amongst some of the weakest in regard to combat-built destroyers. As a result, many could consider the Shrike to operate in a similar manner to Frigates while operating at Destroyer sizes.

Strategy and tips

The following section contains user-submitted suggestions, these may be inaccurate or outdated.

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 Sabots are 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 fully powered destroyers by itself. Its extended peak performance time compared to frigates does let 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.

Changelog

Patch 0.95a:  Shrike: increased OP to 85 (was: 80) Shrike (P) has 75 OP Patch 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 Patch 0.9a: Added in 0.9