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| {{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch continuation|lcont=:Category:Books (Richard Hatch)}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Viper (RH)]] |
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| The '''Azure Viper''', also known as the '''Azure-class Viper''', is an improved {{TOS-RH|Colonial Viper}} design introduced following the Fleet's discovery of a mineral-rich planetoid in {{TOS-RH|7352}}. Built aboard the forge ship ''{{TOS-RH|Hephaestus}}'', the Azure-class represents a significant advancement over the original {{TOS|Viper}} design from the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}}, though it would later be superseded by the more advanced {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}}<ref name="STG240">{{cite book/RH|1|240}}</ref>.
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| == Design and Development ==
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| Following more than a decade of near-constant warfare after the [[Cylon attack]], ''{{TOS-RH|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} Viper complement had been devastated, with numbers dropping to fewer than forty operational fighters at their lowest point<ref name="STG240" />. The discovery of a rich planetoid in {{TOS-RH|7352}} finally provided the Fleet with the mineral resources necessary to rebuild their starfighter forces<ref name="STG81">{{cite book/RH|1|81}}</ref>.
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| A huge old freighter was retrofitted and re-christened ''Hephaestus'', becoming one of the Fleet's most valued ships as both a construction facility and repair bay<ref name="STG240" />. Most of the older Vipers were laboriously rebuilt using a new [[pulsar]] system that burned cleaner [[tylium]] samples, significantly reducing the risk of dangerous [[solium]] leaks that had plagued earlier models<ref name="STG240" />.
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| More than forty new Azure-class Vipers were constructed before the development of the {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}}<ref name="STG240" />.
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| == Technical Specifications ==
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| === Propulsion System ===
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| The Azure-class Viper features an improved pulsar propulsion system designed to burn cleaner tylium fuel samples<ref name="STG240" />. This advancement dramatically reduces the production of solium, a dangerously explosive byproduct of the tylium refinement process that is also poisonous in gaseous form<ref name="glossary">{{cite book/RH|1|glossary}}</ref>. The cleaner-burning system makes the Azure-class significantly safer to operate and maintain than earlier Viper models.
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| The configuration includes:
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| * Multiple pulsar engines for propulsion
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| * Apex pulsar - the primary high-thrust engine mounted on the Viper's rear<ref name="WH89">{{cite book/RH|2|89}}</ref>
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| * Retro rockets for delicate maneuvering operations<ref name="STG250">{{cite book/RH|1|250}}</ref>
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| * Improved [[gyro-capacitor]] energy transference systems<ref name="STG234">{{cite book/RH|1|234}}</ref>
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| === Weapons and Systems ===
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| Azure-class Vipers are equipped with standard turbolasers controlled via the [[navi-hilt]] steering column<ref name="STG241">{{cite book/RH|1|241}}</ref>. The fighters feature advanced targeting systems and scanner technology for combat operations.
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| === Service and Maintenance ===
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| The Azure-class is designed for easier maintenance than previous models, with improved access to critical systems. Tech crews can service and update the fighters' systems as needed<ref name="STG3">{{cite book/RH|1|3}}</ref>, making them more practical for the Fleet's extended journey through deep space.
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| == Operational History ==
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| === Initial Production ===
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| The Azure-class entered production in {{TOS-RH|7352}} as part of the Fleet's rebuilding efforts. New cadets were trained as Warriors and added to the ranks of both pilots and infantry, but pilots required Vipers to fly<ref name="STG240" />. The Azure-class production run addressed this critical need, providing the Fleet with more than forty new starfighters.
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| === Fleet Service ===
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| By {{TOS-RH|7360}}, Azure-class Vipers formed the backbone of the Colonial Viper squadrons, with ''Galactica'' carrying a complement of seventy-five Vipers with the capacity to launch twenty simultaneously - ten from each of the battlestar's two launch bays<ref name="STG240" />.
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| Azure-class Vipers saw extensive combat during the Fleet's encounters with [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] forces and other hostile species throughout their journey. The improved pulsar systems proved reliable in combat, with the reduced solium risk making the fighters safer during extended operations.
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| === Notable Pilots ===
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| While most senior Warriors transitioned to Azure-class Vipers when they became available, Captain {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}} notably refused to give up his older, original-model Viper even when offered an Azure-class fighter. Starbuck insisted his "antique" had kept him alive and he didn't need "a shiny new toy"<ref name="STG3" />. He continued to allow tech crews to service his vintage Viper and update its systems when necessary, but steadfastly refused to transition to newer models, even when the {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}} was later introduced<ref name="STG3" />.
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| This attachment demonstrated that despite technological improvements, some pilots developed strong personal connections to their fighters, viewing them almost as living companions in battle.
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| == Comparison to Other Models ==
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| The Azure-class occupies an intermediate position in Colonial Viper evolution:
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| * '''Original Viper''': The Azure-class represents a significant improvement over the original Colonial Viper design from before the Cylon attack, particularly in its cleaner-burning propulsion system.
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| * '''Scarlet-class Viper''': The Azure-class was eventually superseded by the more advanced {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}}, which featured triple pulsar engines, hover mode capability, energy shields, and voice-activated computer systems<ref name="STG240" /><ref name="STG187">{{cite book/RH|1|187}}</ref>.
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| Despite being surpassed by the Scarlet-class, Azure Vipers continued to serve as the Fleet's primary fighters throughout {{TOS-RH|7360}} and beyond, forming the majority of operational starfighters in combat squadrons.
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| == References ==
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| {{reflist}}
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| {{Ships (TOS-RH)}}
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| [[Category:A to Z]]
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| [[Category:Colonial Craft]]
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| [[Category:Colonial Craft (TOS)]]
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| [[Category:Ships]]
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| [[Category:Ships (TOS)]]
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| [[Category:Vehicles]]
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| [[Category:Vehicles (TOS)]]
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| [[Category:Vipers]]
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| [[Category:Vipers (TOS)]]
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| {{indicator|TOS}}[[Category:TOS]]
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| {{indicator|RH}}[[Category:TOS-RH]]
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