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| {{separate continuity|universe=TOS|lcont=:Category:Books|cont=Richard Hatch continuation}} | | {{separate continuity|universe=TOS|lcont=:Category:Books|cont=Richard Hatch continuation}} |
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| : ''For the fighter specific to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]], see: [[Viper (TOS)]].'' | | : ''For the fighter specific to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]], see: [[Viper (TOS)]].'' |
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| The Colonial '''Viper''' is the primary space superiority fighter and attack craft deployed by the Colonial military. Capable of both atmospheric and long-range spatial flight, the Viper is a single-pilot craft with forward-mounted turbolasers as standard weaponry, controlled via the [[navi-hilt]] steering column<ref name="STG241">{{cite book/RH|1|241}}</ref>. | | The Colonial '''Viper''' is the primary space superiority fighter and attack craft deployed by the Colonial military. Capable of both atmospheric and long-range spacial flight, the Viper is a single-pilot craft with two-forward mounted laser-torpedo guns as standard. |
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| In the 18 {{TOS-RH|yahren}}s since the exodus of Man from the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}}, ''{{TOS-RH|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} Viper complement varied significantly. In {{TOS-RH|7342}}, ''Galactica'' carried a complement of 75 Vipers, with the capacity to launch twenty simultaneously—ten from each of the battlestar's two launch bays<ref name="STG240">{{cite book/RH|1|240}}</ref>. However, hostilities against the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] and other enemies dealt a devastating blow to the battlestar's Viper contingent, with numbers depleting to fewer than forty around {{TOS-RH|7352}}<ref name="STG240" />.
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| In the few yahren that followed this decline, the Fleet discovered a planet rich in the material resources to not only repair and retrofit ships, but also enable the creation of two new Viper classes to restore ''Galactica''{{'|s}} depleted ranks<ref name="STG81">{{Cite book/RH|1|81}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| == Design and Capabilities ==
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| === Flight Operations ===
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| Vipers are versatile fighters designed for multiple operational environments:
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| * '''Spatial Combat''': The Viper's primary role is space superiority and attack missions. In the vacuum of space, head-on battles typically end in microns during a single pass, requiring significant force expenditure to re-vector momentum<ref name="STG241" />. Colonial Warriors are trained to use themselves as bait to set up enemies for their fellow pilots<ref name="STG241" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| * '''Atmospheric Flight''': Vipers are fully capable of atmospheric operations, requiring different skill sets than space combat<ref name="PAR56">{{cite book/RH|5|56}}</ref>. Atmospheric flight demands banking, gliding, and compensation for wind gusts and updrafts—challenges absent in space<ref name="PAR58">{{cite book/RH|5|58}}</ref>. During the Fleet's long exodus, Viper pilots honed their aerodynamic skills on multiple planets<ref name="PAR56" /> {{RH|Paradis}}.
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| * '''Positioning and Tactics''': In space, victory depends on positioning, with pilots mastering acceleration and deceleration. Pursuit of enemy craft requires mathematical precision equal to weapon control<ref name="PAR58" />. Atmospheric combat happens faster, demanding enhanced reflexes and different instincts<ref name="PAR58" /> {{RH|Paradis}}.
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| === Propulsion Systems ===
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| Vipers utilize [[pulsar]] engines powered by refined [[tylium (TOS)|tylium]] fuel:
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| * '''Multiple Pulsars''': Standard Vipers feature multiple pulsar engines for propulsion<ref name="STG240" />.
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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>. When damaged, the apex pulsar can misfire, requiring time to restabilize<ref name="WH89" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.
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| * '''Retro Rockets''': Used for delicate maneuvering operations<ref name="STG250">{{cite book/RH|1|250}}</ref>.
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| * '''Gyro-Capacitor''': The energy transference system that can be damaged in combat<ref name="STG234">{{cite book/RH|1|234}}</ref><ref name="RS104">{{cite book/RH|3|104}}</ref>.
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| === Weapons and Defensive Systems ===
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| * '''Turbolasers''': Forward-mounted laser weapons controlled by the navi-hilt<ref name="STG241" />. Pilots can recalibrate turbolasers for full power and beam width<ref name="STG234" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| * '''Targeting Systems''': Advanced targeting frames assist in combat<ref name="WH89" />, though experienced Warriors like Apollo sometimes eschew targeting systems to strafe entire starfields<ref name="STG241" />.
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| * '''Shields''': Some Viper models feature protective shielding that can deflect tangential hits<ref name="RS105">{{cite book/RH|3|105}}</ref>, though direct strikes can penetrate defenses<ref name="WH89" />.
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| === Pilot Interface ===
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| The Viper's cockpit provides comprehensive information and control:
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| * '''Navi-Hilt''': The steering column that also controls turbolaser fire<ref name="STG241" />.
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| * '''[[Helm]]''': The pilot's helmet features an energy shield that seals the face when donned, plus visual readout (info-scroll) providing sensor readings, scanner reports, and tactical data<ref name="STG233">{{cite book/RH|1|233}}</ref>. The helm also provides commlink capabilities and a rebreather/filter function for breathing in any environment with trace oxygen<ref name="STG3">{{cite book/RH|1|3}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| * '''Scanners''': Flatscreen and holographic displays showing tactical information, ship schematics, and threat assessment<ref name="STG234" />.
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| * '''Computer Systems''': Voice-activated on advanced models<ref name="STG234" />.
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| === Launch and Recovery ===
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| Vipers launch through launch tubes from battlestar bays, with the launch aperture—an energy-shielded opening—allowing rapid deployment<ref name="glossary">{{cite book/RH|1|glossary}}</ref>. ''Galactica''{{'|s}} two fighter bays are each split in half, with the fore section acting as launch bay and the aft section reserved for landing<ref name="STG240" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
| | In the 18 {{TOS-RH|yahren}}s since the exodus of Man from the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}}, ''{{TOS-RH|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} numbers varied. In {{TOS-RH|7342}}, ''Galactica'' carried a compliment of 75 Vipers, whose numbers depleted to less than forty around {{TOS-RH|7352}}. In the few yahrens that followed this decline, the Fleet discovers a planet rich in the material resources to not only repair (and retrofit) ships, but also the creation of two new Viper classes to restore ''Galactica''{{'|s}} depleted ranks<ref name="p81">{{Cite book/RH|1|81}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}. |
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| == Variants == | | == Variants == |
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| In both [[Richard Hatch]]'s [[List of books#Richard Hatch|novels]] and the ''[[Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming]]'' trailer, new variants of the Viper are introduced. | | In both [[Richard Hatch]]'s [[List of books#Richard Hatch|novels]] and the ''[[Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming]]'' trailer, new variants of the Viper are shown. |
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| === Original Viper ===
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| The original {{TOS|Viper}} design from the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}} served as the Fleet's primary fighter during and immediately after the [[Cylon attack]]. Captain {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}} refused to transition to newer models, stubbornly flying his "antique" throughout his career. He insisted his vintage Viper had kept him alive and he didn't need "a shiny new toy," though he allowed tech crews to service and update its systems when necessary<ref name="STG3" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| === {{TOS-RH|Azure-class Viper}} ===
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| {{Mainarticle|Azure-class Viper}}
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| A successor to the original {{TOS|Viper}}, built on ''{{TOS-RH|Hephaestus}}'' following the discovery of a mineral-rich planetoid in {{TOS-RH|7352}}. This version represents a rebuild of earlier Viper models, featuring a new {{TOS-RH|pulsar}} system with efficient [[tylium (TOS)|tylium]] usage, thereby significantly reducing dangerous [[solium]] leaks<ref name="STG240" />. More than forty Azure-class Vipers were constructed before resources were allocated to its successor<ref name="STG81"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| === {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}} ===
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| {{Mainarticle|Scarlet-class Viper}}
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| A successor to the Azure-class, ''Galactica'' began building these fighters 18 yahren after "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]", circa {{TOS-RH|7360}}. The Scarlet-class features triple pulsar engines, hover mode capability, energy shields, voice-activated computer systems, and advanced scanner technology<ref name="STG240" /><ref name="STG1">{{cite book/RH|1|1}}</ref><ref name="STG187">{{cite book/RH|1|187}}</ref>. The first Scarlet Viper was given to Lieutenant Commander {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}, with a second slated for Captain {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}, who refused the upgrade<ref name="STG3" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| === Viper Duet ===
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| An innovative two-pilot design developed at {{TOS-RH|Poseidon}} under Commander {{TOS-RH|Cain}}'s direction. The Viper Duet consists of two larger Vipers attached at the belly with a long flat weapons module between them that can fire both forward and aft<ref name="WH310">{{cite book/RH|2|310}}</ref>.
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| Key features include:
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| * '''Dual Pilot Configuration''': Both cockpits mounted on gimbals that remain upright during launch and lock into place once internal gravity activates<ref name="WH310" />.
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| * '''Tertiary Fuel Supply''': The weapons module includes an additional fuel source, allowing extended range by alternating between Vipers' pulsars<ref name="WH310" />.
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| * '''Flexible Control''': Pilots can share or separate weapons and navigation control, with one pilot able to control rear turbolasers not available on single Vipers<ref name="WH310" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.
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| * '''[[Quantum Shift Effect]]''': Capable of QSE phase-shifting for tactical advantage<ref name="WH260">{{cite book/RH|2|260}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.
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| The Duet's ungainly appearance on its launch track belies its effectiveness as a potent weapon in space combat<ref name="WH310" />. Lieutenant {{TOS-RH|Troy}} and Ensign {{TOS-RH|Dalton}} flew a Viper Duet during the [[Battle of Poseidon]]<ref name="WH260" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.
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| == Operational History ==
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| === Post-Exodus Rebuilding ===
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| Following more than a decade of near-constant warfare after the Cylon attack, the Fleet finally gained access to mineral resources in {{TOS-RH|7352}}<ref name="STG81" />. An old freighter was retrofitted as ''{{TOS-RH|Hephaestus}}'', becoming one of the Fleet's most valued ships for construction and repair<ref name="STG240" />.
| | * '''Azure-class Viper:''' A successor to the {{TOS|Viper}} seen in the Original Series, and built on ''{{TOS-RH|Hephaestus}}''. This version is a rebuild of the earlier model of Viper available to ''Galactica'', featuring a new {{TOS-RH|pulsar}} system with efficient [[tylium (TOS)|tylium]] usage, thereby reducing [[solium]] leads. More than forty were constructed before resources were allocated to its successor, the Scarlet-class<ref name="p81"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}. |
| | | * '''[[Scarlet Viper|Scarlet-class Viper]]:''' A successor to the ''Azure''-class, ''Galactica'' began building these class of Vipers 18 yahren after "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]", circa {{TOS-RH|7360}}. The first one is given to Lieutenant Commander {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}, with a second one slated for Captain {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}, who stuck to his older Viper {{RH|Armageddon}}. |
| New cadets were trained as Warriors, but required Vipers to fly<ref name="STG240" />. The rebuilding effort produced more than forty Azure-class Vipers and eventually led to Scarlet-class development, restoring ''Galactica''{{'|s}} fighter strength<ref name="STG240" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| === Combat Operations ===
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| Vipers saw extensive action throughout the Fleet's journey:
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| * Space combat against Cylon [[Raider (TOS)|Raiders]] and [[basestar]]s {{RH|Armageddon}}
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| * Engagements with the [[Chitain]] species during encounters at {{TOS-RH|Poseidon}} and {{TOS-RH|Kobol}}<ref name="WH89" /><ref name="RS103">{{cite book/RH|3|103}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}} {{RH|Resurrection}}
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| * Atmospheric reconnaissance and combat on multiple planets<ref name="PAR56" /> {{RH|Paradis}}
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| * Escort duties for civilian Fleet vessels<ref name="RS105" /> {{RH|Resurrection}}
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| === Pilot Culture ===
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| Viper pilots developed a distinct culture and identity. Being suspended in flight—whether in space or atmosphere—represented life itself for Warriors. The cockpit became a world unto itself, with pilots viewing their craft as more than machines<ref name="PAR56" />. This attachment was exemplified by Starbuck's refusal to give up his vintage Viper despite technological improvements<ref name="STG3" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
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| Playfulness in training was considered essential for producing the best fighters, distinguishing Warriors from rigid civilian or Cylon mindsets<ref name="PAR58" />. Veterans took pride in instructing newcomers through challenging but educational play<ref name="PAR58" /> {{RH|Paradis}}.
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| == References == | | == References == |
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| {{reflist}} | | {{reflist}} |
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| {{Ships (TOS-RH)}}
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| [[Category: A to Z]] | | [[Category: A to Z]] |
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| [[Category: Technology]] | | [[Category: Technology]] |
| [[Category: Technology (TOS)]] | | [[Category: Technology (TOS)]] |
| [[Category: Vehicles]] | | [[Category: TOS]] |
| [[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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