Prior to 2293, an experimental version of the Klingon's most infamous vessel was developed to allow the firing of torpedos while cloaked.

This prototype Bird-of-Prey was commanded by General Chang, who engaged Captain Kirk and the Enterprise-A in an effort to obstruct the Khitomer peace conference. Chang's efforts were unsuccessful, for both he and the prototype were destroyed by Enterprise and Captain Sulu's Excelsior.