Bearing much of the likeness of the D'deridex warbird, the Raptor-class destroyer may be small, but can nevertheless be used to devastating effect and has become a valued part of the Imperial Navy. Carrying a sizeable payload of powerful Romulan plasma torpedoes, the Raptor is the Romulan Star Empire's primary long-range artillery warship, capable of launching volleys that can decimate and consume even larger enemies with burning plasma. First launched in 2370, the Raptor has quickly earned itself a reputation as a ferocious warship, with the scorched remains of many interlopers offering proof that this reputation is far from exaggerated. The effective range of the Raptor's forward torpedo launcher is second to none. While initially intended to counter emerging Federation designs, the Raptor has seen a great deal of action stationed along the Klingon border, fighting off the barbarians' raids and incursions that are common in that region. Ambushing their prey from great range and battering them with volleys of plasma torpedoes, the Raptor has inflicted many Klingon casualties. Operating independently or in support of a squadron of warbirds, the Raptor has proven itself a vital part of the Romulan fleet.