Editing Bird-of-Prey (section)

===Tactical systems ===
The Bird-of-Prey of the mid-24th century was said to be equipped with the Klingon Empire's "best weapons" and "finest warriors". While typically designated for peaceful missions, they were always "prepared to go into battle instantly." (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor") 

The typical offensive arsenal of the Bird-of-Prey included twin forward-firing wing-mounted disruptor cannons, dual photon torpedo launchers — positioned fore and aft — and deflector shields. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; DS9: "Blood Oath", "The Way of the Warrior") By the 24th century, at least one type was armed with phasers, rather than disruptors, and possessed a weapons range that exceeded 40,000 kilometers. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor") 

In general, the firepower of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey varied by ship and era. During the 2280s, a Bird-of-Prey was said to be "out gunned 10 to 1" by a Constitution-class battle cruiser. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) 

Kruge's statement about being out gunned 10:1 appears to be based on the ship's state of condition following two unshielded photon torpedo impacts. 
While considered to be "no match" for the Federation's Galaxy-class, during the latter 24th century, the Bird-of-Prey was also significantly inferior to the Federation's Defiant-class as well. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor", Star Trek Generations; DS9: "The Way of the Warrior") 

Despite this, the Bird-of-Prey proved more than a match for several other contemporary vessels, including the Empire's very own Vor'cha-class cruiser, as was demonstrated at the outbreak of the Klingon Civil War, when two Birds-of-Prey were nearly successful in defeating a Vor'cha class in an ambush attack, before being repelled by a third Bird-of-Prey. (TNG: "Redemption") 

In a line cut from this scene, Jean-Luc Picard stated that a Vor'cha class cruiser "should have twice the firepower of a Bird-of-Prey." 
 
Engaging a Jem'Hadar fighter.The Bird-of-Prey also proved to be very successful against the Dominion's Jem'Hadar fighters as well. On more than one occasion during the Klingon-Cardassian War and Dominion War Bird-of-Prey commanders have successfully engaged and defeated Jem'Hadar fighters. (DS9: "Soldiers of the Empire", "Call to Arms", "Sons and Daughters", "Favor the Bold", etc.) However, during one Klingon-Cardassian War encounter, a Bird-of-Prey was ambushed by three Jem'Hadar ships – this three-to-one engagement was considered to be "long odds," and the fact that the ship was able to successfully escape in one piece was good fortune. (DS9: "Soldiers of the Empire") It was also during this conflict that a single Bird-of-Prey was successfully able to overwhelm the Cardassian outpost on Korma, disabling the planetary defense systems and destroying every building. (DS9: "Return to Grace") 

The weakest spot on a Klingon Bird-of-Prey was located the underside of the ship's hull. While weak, this section was able to withstand sustained phaser fire from a Cardassian Groumall-type freighter with the shields down. This area was however, not unable to withstand a shot from a system-5 disruptor, which was capable of breaching the hull within two shots. (DS9: "Return to Grace") The Bird-of-Prey's neck was one of the more resistant sections of the ship, capable of withstanding the change in pressure caused by a hull breach. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor") 

The Bird-of-Prey was also utilized in the mirror universe by the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance where they were described by Intendant Kira Nerys as being "quick and powerful". These vessels, however, were not without their weaknesses, specifically, their targeting systems could be easily fooled. (DS9: "Shattered Mirror")