The Romulan Bird of Prey was a major threat to the Federation because of its cloaking device. It also carried a heavy weapons load. A plasma torpedo launcher that was deadly. The Romulans were the first to develop photon torpedoes. These ships at first only had impulse power, but were later refitted with warp drive. This ship could have been the Romulans' first warp capable ship since it had such slow speeds. The Romulan Bird of prey is now retired leaving behind a long proud history and making way for other Romulan vessels.