designed to fill the role of a lightweight strike mech, this 
mech also filled a niche for itself in covert strike 
operations.  The general rugged durability of this mech is 
hard matched.  However, being a light mech it's armor is 
little match for the weapons of heavy mechs, and thus 
must rely on its maneverabilty to avoid damage rather than 
armor to take it.

Capabilities:  Even with an all energy loadout, and 
impressive maneuverability, the kestrel's still managed to 
squeeze every last pound of armor onto it as its frame 
would allow.  This mech represents ComStars best, an 
intensive ammount of research was invested in making 
this mech the best.  Built around Extra lightweight engine, 
the Kestrel suffers in survivability, but enjoys a 
significantadvantage. Moving at speeds of up to 86.4 
kilometers per hour, it doesnt suffer from a lack of 
firepower.  The arm actuators have been constructed in a 
most interesting fasion.  They are very large for a mech of 
its size and allow parts of the left and right torso to twist 
allong a single axis.  The pods of torso are outfitted with 4 
jumpjets each allowing the Kestrel to jump up to 240 
meters with amazing maneuverability and grace.   
Designed for recon missions, the Kestrel sports the 
ComGuards first production model Guardian ECM device, 
further protecting its reletivly delicate structure.  Even with 
all these forms of defence no combat mech would be 
viable without weapons, and weapons this mech has.  the 
four arm mounted magna mark II medium lasers give the 
kestrel respectable firepower at an equaly impressive 
range, while the reliable victory heartbeat medium pulse 
laser gives the mechwarrior a fast and powerful edge.  
With double effective heatsinks, the Kestrel can fire its 
weapons continuosly without risk of overheat.  The only 
problem with heat is when the Kestrel's large array of 
jumpjets are used in tandem with the weapon systems.

Deployment:  The Kestrel currently hasnt been in 
production long, and is rather rare, it has managed to earn 
a very positive reputation.  While some mechwarriors 
complain about the unusual 'feel' associated with 
controlling the innovative jumpjet system, most have 
praised its level of control and precision.  The tale of the 
Kestrel's first combat run is the best example of its 
effectivness.  A single Kestrel piloted by an elite warrior 
without support, intruded into a hostile urban area and 
destroyed 3 heavy factory's while evading one medium 
and two heavy mechs.  while the only damage it sustained 
was minor damage to the legs while it crushed a maultier 
hover APC.  However, this shining optimism has resulted in 
tragity when several green pilots met their doom with ease 
in a overzealous and now 'un-official' operation.  Because 
of this, only the most properly trained mechwarriors are 
allowed to pilot a Kestrel, until it is produced in greater 
numbers.