The B'dra is the end result of Klingon experimentation to produce a heavy assault version of the B'rel Bird of Prey hull. A heavy photon torpedo system takes up a large part of the command boom, and half the disruptor armament was sacrificed to power it.

While the Klingons appreciate the range and hitting power of the heavy photon, the ship is usually forced to cloak while its weapons recharge or face destruction by a retaliatory strike. This does not stop Klingon admirals from deploying these ships when alpha strikes are important and a long battle is not expected.