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Similarly named ships are also available in:
The Atinoda Kestrel is a cameo ship in Escape Velocity Nova.
"Only two examples of this dark and menacing ship are known to exist. This one was discovered floating near a wormhole at the farthest end of known space, and was subsequently salvaged and reconditioned by a collector of exotic starships before being put up for sale. The only other known Kestrel is privately owned. Leading scientists theorize that these mystery ships somehow entered our galaxy from a parallel dimension." ― Buying a Kestrel
The Kestrel is a unique purchasable ship from the original Escape Velocity that becomes available on S7evyn after the player has completed a major storyline.
The Kestrel is featured in Naev, Endless Sky and EV Nova. However, it features a radically different design in those games. Only Kris Quistorff's Kestrel featured in the rEV graphical overhaul truly does the Kestrel justice.
Stats[]
Kestrel (#378)[]
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Ship Variants[]
The Kestrel has no shipvariants.
Gameplay Analysis[]
"It's the Kestrel. Depending on your flying style, this is one of the best ships in the game. This is a ship of style, there is no doubt (for those of you who don't know, the Kestrel is a ship from the original Escape Velocity). My only advice to you is to have fun flying it. ;)" ― EVula Survival Guide
Unfortunately, the Kestrel has significantly lower cargo and equipment space than it had in EV. It also does not come with any classic weapons (e.g. Proton Turrets, Torpedo Launchers). Its Pirate Viper bay is also not an equivalent to the original's Lightning Bay, a Pirate Thunderhead Bay would have been more apt.
The Kestrel costs just over four times as much as the Raven, and although it lacks the Raven's firepower, free space, and cargo room; it is significantly faster, more maneuverable, and has more armor due to the hull's thick and reactive design.
Cost[]
Any player who intends to purchase this ship must absolutely keep in mind that it is impossible to return to S7evyn after leaving without the aid of a plug-in. In other words, if one reaches S7evyn without the 50 million credits required it will be impossible to purchase the ship later, unless if they have an Asteroid Scoop allowing for them to mine Metal or Opal asteroids which can then be sold on Our Spiel.
The exorbitant price is a significant obstacle. See the Trade Routes page for good ways to make the cash required.
It should be noted that 50 million credits is the standard price. Depending on which storylines you complete, it may cost less - even as low as 2.5 million. Good sources of discounts are the 'Director of the Bureau of Internal Investigation' and the 'Knight of Red Branch' ranks.
Storyline variation[]
Vell-os[]
With T0 strength, the Kestrel has 3500 shields. With 4 Solar Panels and 2 Fission Reactors, it can match the energy regeneration of the Javelin. The dearth of expansion space isn't an issue as Vell-os weapons are weightless. Additionally, post-game content such as Planetary Domination is easier with a ship that has inertia.
Association[]
With an Overdrive, the Pirate Kestrel is the fastest Kestrel, with a ceiling of 480 speed. Unfortunately, this means giving up on the Unrelenting.
Rebellion[]
The Rebel Kestrel has access to decent jammers and a selection of Polaris outfits, including the BioRelay Laser and Wraith Cannon. Heavier illegal Heavy Blaster Turrets are also available, but should not be considered.
Bureau[]
The Fed Kestrel is the cheapest, and it has access to Shield Rechargers and legal Ionic Particle Cannons and lighter Heavy Blaster Turrets. It still may not be enough to subjugate the Shards that appear, however.
Heraan[]
Fusion Pulse Batteries are available as an upgrade to the stock turrets, but the Auroran Kestrel doesn't have much else of note. This means giving up on the Thunderforge as well.
Polaris[]
What is there to say? The Polaris Kestrel has access to all the best tools, weapons and reactors. It also has an extra 600 shields from T2 Strength. But how to equip it? Unfortunately, Spun Diamond weighs in at a massive 7 tons each, so it's inefficient. Load up on Organic Shields, a BioRelay Laser, a Capacitor Pulse Laser, a Manta Bay and a Matter/Antimatter Reactor to make one of the more lethal Kestrels. It will still pale in comparison to what was already available for you near the end of the Polaris Storyline.
Images[]
The Kestrel in EVN was made by Adam Burch, Matt Burch's brother.
Appearance[]
The Kestrel is a black ship with two wings leading to massive gun emplacements, a single fin and a long, spindly neck that leads to a bird-like head. There's a hangar bay below the main body. The main body has a tapered cuboid tail.
Ship Spins[]
This ship has 1 set with 48 frames.
- Ship: 100x100
- Engine: 100x100
Representative Images[]
The Kestrel has no shipyard splash image.
| Extinct: The Creature That Lives In Deep Space • Those Who Came Before Fauna: Knup-Knup • Cunjo • Vrenna Ice-lizard • Sirian Monkdillo • Drop Bear Alien Ships: Kestrel 50M • Alien Outfits • Alien Weapons Spacebourne Aliens: Hyperioid • Wraith: Child, Youth, Adult • Krypt: Pod | ||