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The '''Raptor''' is a vehicle utilized by | The '''Raptor''' is a vehicle utilized by the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial military]]. A versatile craft, it is designed to perform multiple roles, but the Raptor most commonly takes part in reconnaissance and scouting operations. There have been at least two variants of this design in use by the Colonials since the outbrake of hostilities with the Cylons. | ||
== | == Cylon War era Variant == | ||
=== Overview === | === Overview === | ||
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{{Ship Data | {{Ship Data | ||
| image= Raptor Type I.png | | image= Raptor Type I.png | ||
| title= Cylon War | | title= Cylon War era Variant | ||
| race= Colonial | | race= Colonial | ||
| type= Military | | type= Military | ||
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}} | }} | ||
The First | The First War era Raptor (also known as "flying pillboxes", or "buses") is little changed from its later counterpart, but features a longer cabin with an aft-facing gun emplacement. This design also relies on the main sublight engines for maneuvering. | ||
This design was considered by the Colonials to generally be slow, and an easy target for Cylon forces to attack and destroy. However, it was not impossible to eliminate enemy targets while flying one. | This design was considered by the Colonials to generally be slow, and an easy target for Cylon forces to attack and destroy. However, it was not impossible to eliminate enemy targets while flying one. | ||
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=== FTL Operations === | === FTL Operations === | ||
It is not known if this design commonly carries [[FTL]] drives, like their later counterparts do. Ten years into the [[Cylon War|War]] | It is not known if this design commonly carries [[FTL]] drives, like their later counterparts do. Ten years into the [[Cylon War|War]] (42 BCH), and [[Raptor 909]] does not carry one, however, a statement by ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' CO [[Silas Nash]] suggests that the Colonials do utilize smaller FTL capable ships. It is possible that the FTL drive and related components were removed in order to enlarge the cabin, and to accommodate the "Toaster Slayer" cannon. | ||
=== Life Support === | === Life Support === | ||
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=== Armament === | === Armament === | ||
Raptors of this era are more commonly armed that the later design. This design can be outfitted with mission specific ship to ship missiles, incorporates a rear [[Kinetic Energy Weapon|cannon]], and is equipped with electronic countermeasures for defense | Raptors of this era are more commonly armed that the later design. This design can be outfitted with mission specific ship to ship missiles, incorporates a rear [[Kinetic Energy Weapon|cannon]], and is equipped with electronic countermeasures for defense (''[[Blood and Chrome]]''). | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
The Raptor is usually operated by a crew of two (one pilot and one [[ECO]]), has [[Gravity in the Re-imagined series|synthetic gravity]] on board, and is controlled by means of a fly-by-wire system {{TRS|Rapture}}. It is capable of atmospheric flight and is also equipped with a short-range [[FTL]] engine, allowing it to make short faster-than-light hops. The vehicle has been a mainstay of the Colonial fleet for over 40 years, having entered service sometime prior to the twelfth year | The Raptor is usually operated by a crew of two (one pilot and one [[ECO]]), has [[Gravity in the Re-imagined series|synthetic gravity]] on board, and is controlled by means of a fly-by-wire system {{TRS|Rapture}}. It is capable of atmospheric flight and is also equipped with a short-range [[FTL]] engine, allowing it to make short faster-than-light hops. The vehicle has been a mainstay of the Colonial fleet for over 40 years, having entered service sometime prior to the twelfth year of the first [[Cylon War]] ([[TRS]]: "''[[Razor Flashbacks]]''", Episode 3). Its versatility and reliability in various roles has likely prevented it from being phased out by newer Colonial craft. | ||
As a scout, Raptors can: | As a scout, Raptors can: | ||
*Undertake short and medium-range scans to detect electromagnetic, heat or other signatures from other vessels | *Undertake short and medium-range scans to detect electromagnetic, heat or other signatures from other vessels | ||
*Scan planetary surfaces for signs of life, energy output, or to locate and assess mineral deposits {{TRS|Water|The Hand of God (RDM)}} | *Scan planetary surfaces for signs of life, energy output, or to locate and assess mineral deposits {{TRS|Water|The Hand of God (RDM)|}} | ||
*Scout ahead of its parent warship in other planetary or celestial systems for any signs of hostile intent or stellar conditions prior to the parent ship's arrival {{TRS|Miniseries}} | *Scout ahead of its parent warship in other planetary or celestial systems for any signs of hostile intent or stellar conditions prior to the parent ship's arrival {{TRS|Miniseries}} | ||
*Undertake [[SAR|search & rescue operations]] after an engagement with Cylon forces. | *Undertake [[SAR|search & rescue operations]] after an engagement with Cylon forces. | ||
When scouting, Raptors can operate independently, or in concert with other Raptors and Vipers {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}. | When scouting, Raptors can operate independently, or in concert with other Raptors and Vipers {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)|}}. | ||
As an [[ECM]] platform, the Raptor contains a full suite of electronic countermeasure and monitoring tools, enabling it to: | As an [[ECM]] platform, the Raptor contains a full suite of electronic countermeasure and monitoring tools, enabling it to: | ||
*Jam [[wireless]] or relay transmissions (by wireless or optically) from other spacecraft {{TRS|Miniseries|33}} | *Jam [[wireless]] or relay transmissions (by wireless or optically) from other spacecraft {{TRS|Miniseries|33}} | ||
*Scramble control signals used by guided weapons {{TRS|Miniseries}} | *Scramble control signals used by guided weapons {{TRS|Miniseries}} | ||
*Undertake IFF operations for Viper squadrons {{TRS|Miniseries}} | *Undertake IFF operations for Viper squadrons {{TRS|Miniseries}} | ||
In addition to reconnaissance and scouting, the Raptor can also undertake the following roles: | In addition to reconnaissance and scouting, the Raptor can also undertake the following roles: | ||
*Airborne warning & control and electronic countermeasures platform supporting [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] operations {{TRS|Miniseries|33}} | *Airborne warning & control and electronic countermeasures platform supporting [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] operations {{TRS|Miniseries|33}} | ||
*Marine assault craft | *Marine assault craft ([[TRS]]: "[[Bastille Day]]", "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]", "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]") | ||
*Ambulance / evac vehicle | *Ambulance / evac vehicle ([[TRS]]: "[[Miniseries]]", "''[[The Plan]]''") | ||
*General purpose transport {{TRS|Flesh and Bone|Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down|Home, Part II}} | *General purpose transport {{TRS|Flesh and Bone|Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down|Home, Part II}} | ||
*Combat Search and Rescue {{TRS|Fragged|Resurrection Ship, Part II}} | *Combat Search and Rescue {{TRS|Fragged|Resurrection Ship, Part II|}} | ||
*Secure communication with other vessels {{TRS|33}} | *Secure communication with other vessels {{TRS|33}} | ||
*Launching decoy drones {{TRS|Exodus, Part II}} | *Launching decoy drones {{TRS|Exodus, Part II}} | ||
*Combat assault vehicle {{TRS|A Measure of Salvation|Crossroads, Part II}} | *Combat assault vehicle {{TRS|A Measure of Salvation|Crossroads, Part II|}} | ||
In the transport role, a Raptor is capable of carrying around eight to ten adults in addition to the two-person crew. In the assault role, it can carry a squad of some eight equipped Marines {{TRS|Bastille Day}}. | In the transport role, a Raptor is capable of carrying around eight to ten adults in addition to the two-person crew. In the assault role, it can carry a squad of some eight equipped Marines {{TRS|Bastille Day}}. | ||
=== Atmospheric Operations === | === Atmospheric Operations === | ||
The Raptor is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, a critical element for atmospheric operations is that to remain airborne requires fuel: once in an atmosphere, the engines must be run constantly to maintain lift and to hover. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Raptor's engines | The Raptor is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, a critical element for atmospheric operations is that to remain airborne requires fuel: once in an atmosphere, the engines must be run constantly to maintain lift and to hover. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Raptor's engines ([[TRS]]: "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]"). | ||
Due to their overall configuration and bulk, Raptors may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds, and rely heavily on directed thrust to remain airborne. | Due to their overall configuration and bulk, Raptors may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds, and rely heavily on directed thrust to remain airborne. | ||
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Raptors are fitted with small, general purpose FTL drives, but unlike larger drives on capital ships, they seem to be limited to ten to twenty FTL jumps, depending in part on the amount of [[tylium (RDM)|tylium]] fuel being carried. A Raptor can also be outfitted with a [[Heavy Raider]]'s navigational computer that, when operated by a Cylon, can be used to calculate and safely make longer jumps than normal {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I}}. | Raptors are fitted with small, general purpose FTL drives, but unlike larger drives on capital ships, they seem to be limited to ten to twenty FTL jumps, depending in part on the amount of [[tylium (RDM)|tylium]] fuel being carried. A Raptor can also be outfitted with a [[Heavy Raider]]'s navigational computer that, when operated by a Cylon, can be used to calculate and safely make longer jumps than normal {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I}}. | ||
After allying with the [[Cylon Civil War|Cylon rebels]], ''Galactica'' | After allying with the [[Cylon Civil War|Cylon rebels]], ''Galactica's'' Raptors were updated with Cylon FTL drives, allowing them to jump further. {{TRS|Daybreak, Part I}} | ||
=== Life Support === | === Life Support === | ||
The main flight deck / cabin of a Raptor is fully pressurized. However, crews operate in [[flight suit]]s and helmets to help protect them against any hull breach {{TRS|Miniseries}}. The cabin can also be depressurized and used in space rescue operations. Re-pressurization takes 10 seconds ([[TRS]]: "[[You Can't Go Home Again]], | The main flight deck / cabin of a Raptor is fully pressurized. However, crews operate in [[flight suit]]s and helmets to help protect them against any hull breach {{TRS|Miniseries}}. The cabin can also be depressurized and used in space rescue operations. Re-pressurization takes 10 seconds ([[TRS]]: "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]", "[[A Day in the Life]]"). The forward pilot and co-pilot seats can eject in an emergency as the forward canopy is blown away prior to the ejection {{TRS|Dirty Hands}}. | ||
=== Propulsion === | === Propulsion === | ||
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=== Armament === | === Armament === | ||
[[ | [[Image:RaptorWeapons.jpg|thumb|right|Raptor weapon pods {{TRS|Exodus, Part II}}.]] | ||
====Offensive==== | ====Offensive==== | ||
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====Defensive==== | ====Defensive==== | ||
The Raptor's contours provide it a reduced [[DRADIS]] signature to avoid detection. In addition, the craft carry an assortment of pods to aid in communications or defense as well as electronic countermeasures such as a [[jigger]].<ref>A close-up of a Raptor display in the [[Miniseries]] (timestamp 57 m 41 sec) shows the name and number of these items.</ref> | |||
The Raptor's contours | |||
*Up to 6 [[Swallow|decoy drones]] | *Up to 6 [[Swallow|decoy drones]] | ||
*Up to 4 [[Communication drone|communication drones]] | *Up to 4 [[Communication drone|communication drones]] | ||
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=== Layout === | === Layout === | ||
[[ | [[Image:Raptor-1.jpg|thumb|[[Raptor 312]] taking off from the ground {{TRS|Miniseries}}.]] | ||
The Raptor is an angular vehicle built for function, not aesthetics. The forward section consists of a flight cabin with side-by-side | The Raptor is an angular vehicle built for function, not aesthetics. The forward section consists of a flight cabin with side-by-side seats for the pilot and ECO, with a large bubble canopy providing wide fields of view both forward and side. The flight cabin opens into the main compartment where a workstation containing early warning, electronic countermeasures, and other equipment is manned by the ECO when not co-piloting the craft. | ||
Access to the Raptor's main compartment is primarily through a large port-side hydraulic door, and a floor-mounted hatchway provides access through the deck. A pressurized docking skirt can also be extended from the underside, enabling the Raptor to dock to the hulls of other vessels. In assault missions, [[marines]] can use this skirt to breech a hull and board a hostile vessel {{TRS|Bastille Day | Access to the Raptor's main compartment is primarily through a large port-side hydraulic door, and a floor-mounted hatchway provides access through the deck. A pressurized docking skirt can also be extended from the underside, enabling the Raptor to dock to the hulls of other vessels. In assault missions, [[marines]] can use this skirt to breech a hull and board a hostile vessel {{TRS|Bastille Day}}. | ||
Aft of the pressurized area are the [[FTL]] drive and main [[sublight]] engines. Port and starboard stub wings provide additional lift during atmospheric flight, and winglets reduce drag and provide step access to the wings and hull. [[RCS]] thrusters are placed throughout the craft for landing, maneuvering and stabilization {{TRS|Miniseries}}. | Aft of the pressurized area are the [[FTL]] drive and main [[sublight]] engines. Port and starboard stub wings provide additional lift during atmospheric flight, and winglets reduce drag and provide step access to the wings and hull. [[RCS]] thrusters are placed throughout the craft for landing, maneuvering and stabilization {{TRS|Miniseries}}. | ||
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=== Search and Rescue Raptor === | === Search and Rescue Raptor === | ||
{{Ship Data | {{Ship Data | ||
| image= | | image= EVAC Raptors.jpg | ||
| title= EVAC Raptor | | title= EVAC Raptor | ||
| race= Colonial | | race= Colonial | ||
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| cap= Approximately 5-10 passengers | | cap= Approximately 5-10 passengers | ||
| role= VTO/L Transport | | role= VTO/L Transport | ||
| length= {{Feet2Meters|28}} | |||
| height= {{Feet2Meters|9.5}} | |||
| weight= 50 tons <ref>In the [[Miniseries]], [[Sharon Valerii]] tells Chief Tyrol "You're not the one out there trying to bring 50 tons of Raptor onto a moving hangar deck". However, given the relatively small size of the craft, this figure seems unrealistically high. In comparison, large military helicopters like the [[w:Mil Mi-24|Mi-24 Hind]] or the [[w:CH-53 Sea Stallion|CH-53 Sea Stallion]] weigh approximately 10-15 metric tons.</ref> | |||
| wingspan= {{Feet2Meters|18.34}} | |||
| status = Presumed destroyed | | status = Presumed destroyed | ||
}} | }} | ||
A civilian "Search and Rescue" Raptor is utilized by medical facilities to airlift patients to nearby hospitals. These craft were used after the renewed Cylon attacks to evacuate injured persons from the rubble of targeted cities. After the attacks on [[Picon (RDM)|Picon]], [[John Cavil]] took an injured [[Ellen Tigh]] to one of these Raptors, which made its way to [[Rising Star (RDM)|''Rising Star'']] before escaping with ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' at [[Ragnar]]. These craft have a red/white paint scheme which differentiates them with their military counterparts. | A civilian "Search and Rescue" Raptor is utilized by medical facilities to airlift patients to nearby hospitals. These craft were used after the renewed Cylon attacks to evacuate injured persons from the rubble of targeted cities. After the attacks on [[Picon (RDM)|Picon]], [[John Cavil]] took an injured [[Ellen Tigh]] to one of these Raptors, which made its way to the [[Rising Star (RDM)|''Rising Star'']] before escaping with ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' at [[Ragnar]]. These craft have a red/white paint scheme which differentiates them with their military counterparts. | ||
It is presumed that the remaining fleet is destroyed or captured by Cylon forces during their occupation of the Colonies {{TRS|The Plan}}. | It is presumed that the remaining fleet is destroyed or captured by Cylon forces during their occupation of the Colonies {{TRS|The Plan}}. | ||
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== Alternate Variants == | == Alternate Variants == | ||
Alternate Raptors with different color schemes are in use up to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. One such Raptor can be found in a floating dock off the coast of [[Picon]], near the [[Club Pink Moon]] that Ellen Tigh frequents before the Fall | Alternate Raptors with different color schemes are in use up to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. One such Raptor can be found in a floating dock off the coast of [[Picon]], near the [[Club Pink Moon]] that Ellen Tigh frequents before the Fall with a two-tone green and white paint scheme {{TRS|The Plan}}. | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
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==== Making the Raptor fly ==== | ==== Making the Raptor fly ==== | ||
[[ | [[Image:Raptor, lifted by crane.JPG|thumb|right|Shooting of the Miniseries.]] | ||
[[Richard Hudolin]] explains: "The Raptor is made out of foam on a steel frame. We built it so that we could have people safely in there as a 100ft crane picks it up and swings it around. The actors were a little bit surprised: 'Oh, my God, it goes up that high!'" | [[Richard Hudolin]] explains: "The Raptor is made out of foam on a steel frame. We built it so that we could have people safely in there as a 100ft crane picks it up and swings it around. The actors were a little bit surprised: 'Oh, my God, it goes up that high!'" | ||
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[[de:Raptor]] | [[de:Raptor]] | ||