The Kestrel Cruiser

Layout A

"This class of ship was decommissioned from Federation service years ago. After a number of refits and updating, this classic ship is ready for battle."

• Default name: The Kestrel
• Starting Crew: 3 Human
• Starting Reactor: 8
• Starting Systems:
  • Piloting (1)
  • Doors (1)
  • Sensors (1)
  • Medbay (1)
  • Oxygen (1)
  • Shields (2)
  • Engines (2)
  • Weapons (3)
• Starting Weapons:
  • Burst Laser II
  • Artemis Missiles
• Starting Resources:
  • 16 Fuel
  • 8 Missiles
  • 2 Drone parts
• Slots: 4 Weapon, 2 Drone (requires system)

Unlock
The Kestrel is the first ship type available to you in FTL, and is unlocked by default.

Trivia
The Kestrel Cruisers are all named after birds.

Layout B

"This modified Kestrel class ship was created by a laser weapon aficionado."

• Default name: Red-Tail
• Starting Crew: 2 Human, 1 Mantis, 1 Zoltan
• Starting Reactor: 8
• Starting Systems:
  • Piloting (1)
  • Doors (1)
  • Sensors (1)
  • Medbay (1)
  • Oxygen (1)
  • Shields (2)
  • Engines (2)
  • Weapons (4)
• Starting Weapons:
  • Basic Laser (x4)
• Starting Resources:
  • 16 Fuel
  • 5 Missiles
  • 0 Drone parts
• Slots: 4 Weapon, 2 Drone (requires system)

Unlock
Earning two of the three Kestrel achievements will unlock Layout B.

Trivia
It is interesting to note that the color scheme of the ship matches that of the rebel ships.

Layout C

"This model was modified by pirates to utilize newly discovered technology. It can clone lost crewmembers and stun enemies."

• Default name: The Swallow
• Starting Crew: 2 Human, 1 Lanius
• Starting Reactor: 7
• Starting Systems:
  • Piloting (1)
  • Doors (1)
  • Sensors (2)
  • Clone Bay (1)
  • Oxygen (1)
  • Shields (2)
  • Engines (2)
  • Weapons (2)
• Starting Weapons:
  • Dual Lasers
  • Ion Stunner
• Starting Resources:
  • 16 Fuel
  • 4 Missiles
  • 3 Drone parts
• Slots: 4 Weapon, 2 Drone (requires system)

Unlock
Getting to Sector 8 with the Kestrel Cruiser Type B and Advanced Mode enabled will unlock Layout C.

Trivia
It is interesting to note that the color scheme of the ship matches that of pirate ships.

Achievements

• The United Federation - Have six unique aliens on the Kestrel Cruiser simultaneously.
• Full Arsenal - Have 8 systems and 3 subsystems installed on the Kestrel simultaneously. (This includes the starting systems and subsystems.)
• Tough Little Ship - As the Kestrel Cruiser, repair back to full health when it only has 1 HP remaining.