Editing Crucible:PHASE II Kestrel (section)

== Defensive Systems ==

The Kestrel is not a gunship. Its mission is custody, response, and support rather than combat. Even so, it is built to survive dangerous conditions. The aircraft carries light composite armor, hardened flight controls, encrypted communications, electronic countermeasures, heat-sinked engine housings, flare and chaff dispensers, and emergency crash-survival systems.

Some variants include limited force-dispersion shielding around the transport bay and cockpit. Others carry drone decoys, signal jammers, or emergency lockdown systems that can seal the prisoner compartment if a detainee breaks restraint. These defenses are meant to buy time, not win a battle. When a Kestrel is under serious attack, its best defense is speed, maneuverability, and the PHASE agents or heroes nearby.