Chitain warship

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch Novelizations separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Chitain ships are the vessels employed by the Chitain race, biomechanical craft that mirror the physical characteristics of their builders.

Design and Capabilities

Standard Warships

Chitain vessels are tapered cylinders designed to resemble the Chitain themselves, combining organic appearance with advanced technology. The ships' distinctive design features include propulsion tendrils emerging from the nose that curl around to the sides, creating engine strands that burn with crimson energy. A long tail-like appendage emerges from the rear of each vessel, serving as the primary weapons system and capable of both firing laser pulses and physically striking nearby craft.

Each standard Chitain craft houses a three-member flight crew and an additional trio wearing atmosphere suits who serve as infantry forces when the ship lands or as boarding parties when enemy vessels are damaged enough to be boarded. This dual-purpose design reflects the Chitain's scavenger nature, as they waste nothing and prefer to capture enemy vessels intact when possible.

The vessels demonstrate exceptional speed and maneuverability, making them formidable opponents in combat. Their weapons systems fire crimson energy beams from the tail appendage, which can also whip about to physically shatter nearby fighters.

Dreadnought

The Chitain dreadnought represents the pinnacle of their shipbuilding technology. This massive capital ship measures easily twice the size of a Colonial battlestar, with spires jutting from its topside and its entire circumference surrounded by propulsory tentacles. From its belly hang multiple long stingers whose glowing crimson tips can whip from side to side, firing devastating energy bursts that leave only "lingering scars on the face of the universe."

The dreadnought is nearly indestructible and surrounded by an almost impenetrable forcefield. During the Battle of Kobol, Colonial forces discover that the only effective attack strategy is to remain close to the ship's underbelly, as the Chitain cannot turn their weapons on attackers without risking damage to their own vessel.

The massive stinger appendages on the dreadnought are as wide across as a Viper is long and are heavily shielded, making them difficult to damage even with concentrated fire.

Combat Tactics

Chitain ships employ sophisticated combat strategies that initially mislead their opponents. During engagements, they often sacrifice their own warriors to better understand enemy tactics, using inferior skills as bait before revealing their true capabilities. Once the Chitain have analyzed their opponents, they shift from prey to predator with devastating effectiveness.

The ships' weapons systems—both the energy-based attacks and the physical striking capability of their tails—make them deadly at multiple ranges. Their speed allows them to close rapidly with enemy craft, while their heavy shielding provides substantial protection during combat operations.

Hybrid Technology

Following the alliance between the Chitain and the Cylons, a new class of basestar emerges combining cold Cylon mechanical design with technorganic Chitain weapons arrays. These hybrid vessels represent a merging of two of humanity's deadliest enemies.