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| {{disline|This article discusses the older, generally obsolete Viper-class fighters seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. For information on the late [[First Cylon War]] Viper Mark III from [[Blood and Chrome]] see [[Viper Mark III]]. For information on the advanced Viper Mark VII from the same series, see [[Viper Mark VII]]. For the Viper used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] and in [[Galactica 1980]], see [[Viper (TOS)]].}}
| | :''This article discusses the older, generally obsolete Viper-class fighters seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. For information on the advanced Viper Mark VII from the same series, see [[Viper Mark VII]]. For the Viper used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] and in [[Galactica 1980]], see [[Viper (TOS)]].'' |
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| | The '''Viper Mark II''' was the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]]'s primary space superiority fighter / attack craft during the initial [[Cylon War]]. 40 years later, they are used by [[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]] to effectively combat the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] and beyond. |
| {{Ship Data | | {{Ship Data |
| | image= Bsg-viper-1.jpg | | | image= Bsg-viper-1.jpg |
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| | type= Military | | | type= Military |
| | ftl= No | | | ftl= No |
| | propol= 1x Voram VM2-D15 upper turbo-thrust engine <br /> 2x Voram VM3-D22 turbo-thrust engines <br /> 2x reverse thrust motors <br /> [[RCS]] points <ref name="armprop">Propulsion and weapon details from David Bassom's ''[[The Official Companion|Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]''.</ref> | | | propol= 1 x Voram VM2-D15 upper turbo-thrust engine, 2x Voram VM3-D22 turbo-thrust engines, 2x reverse thrust motors, [[RCS]] points <ref name="armprop">Propulsion and weapon details from David Bassom's ''[[The Official Companion|Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]''.</ref> |
| | crew= 1 pilot | | | crew= 1 pilot |
| | role= Space superiority fighter/interceptor | | | role= Space superiority fighter |
| | arm= 2x 800 rd. Thraxon MEC-A6 30mm [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|Mass Accelerator Cannons]] (MECS) <br /> Dorsal storage bay for 8x HD-70 Lightning Javelin missiles (optional 50 megaton nuclear warhead)<ref name="armprop"/> <br /> Weapon hardpoints for mounting missiles / munitions pods, etc. under the wings | | | weapons= 2 [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|Kinetic Energy Weapon]], missiles |
| | def= Chaffs <br /> Flares | | | arm= 2 x MEC-A6 30mm Thraxon forward-firing kinetic energy weapons ([[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|KEW]]) mounted in the wing roots with 800 round magazine, Dorsal storage bay for 8 x HD-70 Lightning Javelin missiles (optional 50 megaton nuclear warhead)<ref name="armprop"/>. Weapon hardpoints for mounting missiles / munitions pods, etc. under the wings |
| | status= Retired from service, succeeded by Viper Mark III
| | | status= Obsolete / In current Colonial service |
| | length= 27.6 feet (~8.4m)<ref name="di">Dimensions provided by [http://www.leestringer.com/ Lee Stringer], one of the VFX Animators of the miniseries. These are for the CGI models, which are based on but not identical to the fullsize props. Source: [http://www.starshipbuilder.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000012.html Starshipbuilder.com forums]</ref> | | | length= 27.6 feet (~8.4m)<ref name="di">Dimensions provided by [http://www.leestringer.com/ Lee Stringer], one of the VFX Animators of the miniseries. These are for the CGI models, which are based on but not identical to the fullsize props. Source: [http://www.starshipbuilder.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000012.html Starshipbuilder.com forums]</ref> |
| | height= 8.9 feet (~2.7m)<ref name="di"/><ref name="inflight">In flight, without landing gear. Landing gear adds approximately (0.5m)</ref> | | | height= 8.9 feet (~2.7m)<ref name="di"/><ref name="inflight">In flight, without landing gear. Landing gear adds approximately (0.5m)</ref> |
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| | img=Y | | | img=Y |
| }} | | }} |
| The '''Viper Mark II''' is a single seat fighter aerospace craft used by the [[Colonial Fleet]] during the [[First Cylon War]]. The fighter served with distinction, proving to be a capable fighting vehicle and winning renown across the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies]]; the Mark II is regarded as instrumental in ensuring that the Colonials did not lose the original Cylon War <ref>Its iconic status is not unlike that of the real world [[wikipedia:Supermarine_Spitfire|Supermarine Spitfire]], which is held in great esteem in the countries where it served - particularly Great Britain. Many Spitfires are preserved today as museum pieces, just as the Mk. II Vipers were aboard ''Galactica''.</ref>. Eventually, the Mark II was succeeded in service by the larger, and more advanced [[Viper Mark III]] (''[[Blood & Chrome]]''), in the later years of the War, however, the Mark II was still utilized by the military up to, and for at least two decades following<ref>When presented with one of his old, [[Viper 7242|restored Mark II Vipers]], Commander [[William Adama]] notes that he has not seen a Viper Mark II in at least 20 years {{TRS|Miniseries, Night 1}}.</ref>, the [[Cimtar_(RDM)|Armistice]] {{TRS|Razor Flashbacks|Miniseries, Night 1}}. Owing to the iconic status that the Mark II achieved during its operational years, a squadron of 40 planes are chosen for preservation in the battlestar [[Galactica Museum|''Galactica'' History Museum]]. These Vipers are later brought back online to defend ''Galactica,'' and later its civilian fleet, following the sudden [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] on the Colonies {{TRS|Miniseries}}.
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| == Overview == | | == Overview == |
| [[File:Viper Mk II orthos.jpg|left|thumb|Fore, side, top and aft views of the Mark II]]
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| The Mark II is a long, sleek vehicle with specialized features for zero-g and atmospheric combat, and reconnaissance.
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| The fore section comprises the nose back to the cockpit. Located there are the forward [[RCS]] systems for maneuvering the craft; the forward landing gear; the main [[avionics]] and sensor packages and the single-seat cockpit.
| | Capable of atmospheric flight, the Viper Mark II is a single-seat craft possessing two kinetic energy weapons ([[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|KEW]]s). Hard-points beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods and other ordnance to be mounted ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). |
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| The stern comprises the main engines, numerous RCS maneuvering jets, fuel tanks, wings and vertical stabilizer. The wings themselves contain the kinetic energy weapons, their munitions storage and feeds. Mounting points beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods and other items to be rack-mounted {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}. | | The Viper Mark I entered Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the [[Cylon War]]. However, it is this Mark II variant (designed specifically for use with the Colonial [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]]) that has garnered the most recongintion. It served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, proving to be a capable fighting vehicle and winning renown across the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]]; the Mark II is regarded as instrumental in ensuring that the Colonials did not lose the original Cylon War <ref>Its iconic status is not unlike that of the real world [[wikipedia:Supermarine_Spitfire|Supermarine Spitfire]], which is held in great esteem in the countries where it served. Many Spitfires are preserved today as museum pieces, just as the Mk. II Vipers were aboard ''Galactica''.</ref>. |
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| The wing's roots contain the main landing gear, retracted during flight. The Mark II's shape is distinctive because of the offset "intakes" mounted just behind the cockpit. The port / starboard "intakes" incorporate small but powerful reverse thrust engines that can quickly counter a Viper's forward momentum in an emergency {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}. | | The Mark II remained in service after the end of the conflict, but was subsequently superseded by newer models. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon holocaust]], the [[Viper Mark VII]] is the front-line variant of the Viper design. It retains the Mark II's general layout, but utilizes fully networked systems to provide superior battle management and combat information for the pilot. |
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| | Seemingly similar to the Cylon Raider in performance as well as weaponry; in the hands of a seasoned pilot a Viper Mark II is capable of holding its own against many times its number of Raiders. ''Galactica''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Viper contingent has regularly beaten off large Raider wings and in one particular instance Kara Thrace defeats six Raiders almost single-handedly ([[Act of Contrition]]). |
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| | == [[Computers#Avionics|Avionics]] == |
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| === Avionics ===
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| :''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series#Vipers and Raptors|Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]'' | | :''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series#Vipers and Raptors|Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]'' |
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| [[File:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Mark II main instrument panel]] | | [[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Mark II main instrument panel]] |
| The Mark II is equipped with a Milso Delta-G Intrepid guidance system. The quad mounted gyroscopic ACRS is hot-linked to the cockpit instrument package and all RCS ports for enhanced performance <ref name="chart">[https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/185723_204520102894533_5923811_n.jpg Viper Mark II layout chart]</ref>. <br> | | As part of its use in the [[Cylon War]], the Mark II was initially designed to resist Cylon attempts at disabling or damaging its flight controls <ref>The joystick used in the Mark II is a replica of real-life F/A-18 Hornet and F-15 Eagle</ref>. Given the number of analog gauges and controls, its likely that the Mark II was intended to be flown entirely without computer assistance in fear of compromise by an electronic attack. Nevertheless, a simple computer to manage the flight systems is present in the cockpit, assisting the pilot's [[Mark One Eyeball]]. Some gauges, such as the altimeter, are used only in atmospheric flight. |
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| | == Armament == |
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| | :''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper_and_Cylon_Raider|Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]'' |
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| As part of its use in the [[Cylon War]], the Mark II was initially designed to resist Cylon attempts at disabling or damaging its flight controls <ref>The joystick used in the Mark II is a replica of real-life F/A-18 Hornet and F-15 Eagle</ref>. Given the number of analog gauges and controls, its likely that the Mark II was intended to be flown entirely without computer assistance in fear of compromise by an electronic attack. Nevertheless, a simple computer to manage the flight systems is present in the cockpit, assisting the pilot's [[Mark One Eyeball]]. Some gauges, such as the altimeter, are used only in atmospheric flight.<br />
| | The Viper's main weapon are two wing-mounted cannons. Additionally, it can be equipped with several missiles, carried under the fuselage ("[[The Hand of God]]", "[[Home, Part II]]"). |
| === Armament ===
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| :''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]''
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| [[File:TRS - Miniseries - Viper Mark II Systems Display.jpg|thumb|Viper Mark II systems display {{TRS|Miniseries, Night 1}}.]]
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| The Mark II is equipped with two 800 rd. Thraxon MEC-A6 30mm Mass Accelerator Cannons (MECS), as its primary weapon. These cannons are capable of firing 20 rounds per second and are augmented with orange tracers, which enable the pilot to see where the rounds are going, and adjust their aim accordingly<ref name="chart" />.
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| These cannons are supplemented with a storage bay capable of holding up to eight Lightning Javelin missiles capable of carrying conventional or up to 50 megatons of nuclear tipped warheads<ref name="chart" />.
| | == Layout == |
| | [[Image:Viper Mk II orthos.jpg|right|thumb|Fore, side, top and aft views of the Mark II]] |
| | The Viper Mark II is a long, sleek vehicle that can be split into two parts, fore and aft. |
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| === Performance ===
| | *Fore section: comprises the nose back to the cockpit. This contains the forward [[RCS]] systems for maneuvering the craft; the forward landing gear; the main [[avionics]] and sensor packages, plus the single-seat cockpit itself |
| | *Stern section: comprises the main engines, fuel tanks, wings and vertical stabilizer. The wings themselves contain the kinetic energy weapons ("guns") and their munitions storage and feeds. Hard-points beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods and other items to be rack-mounted ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). The wings roots contain the main landing gear. This section of a Viper also contains a number of RCS maneuvering packs. |
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| The Mark II is as "nimble as a jackrabbit," and can rotate 180 degrees vertically in .35 seconds {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}. It accelerates at six to seven G's, or 60 to 70 m/s² {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}. | | The stern section of a Viper is distinctive because of the offset "intakes" mounted just behind the cockpit. The port / starboard "intake" nacelles incorporate small but powerful reverse thrust engines that can quickly counter a Viper's forward momentum in an emergency ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). |
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| ==Surviving Mark IIs== | | == Performance == |
| :''Main article: [[List of Vipers]].''
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| Following the decommissioning of the battlestar ''Galactica'' 40 years after the Cylon War ended, and its transformation into a museum, a squadron Mark IIs are chosen for preservation and display on the port flight deck. Following the sudden Cylon attacks, these Vipers are brought back to working order and used to defend the ship as it made its way to [[Ragnar Anchorage]] to refit. Eventually, these Vipers are used to defend the 50,000 survivors of the attacks as they flee the Colonies into deep space {{TRS|Miniseries}}.
| | The Mark II can rotate 180 degrees vertically in .35 seconds ([[Act of Contrition]]) |
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| They served with distinction up until the end of the Fleet's journey, however not without losses. The few remaining Mark IIs are eventually destroyed after ''Galactica'' is flown into a star following the Colonial's settlement of a new world {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}.
| | ==Known Viper Mark IIs== |
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| | :''See [[List of Vipers]].'' |
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| == Related Imagery == | | == Related Imagery == |
| <gallery perrow="4" mode="slideshow"> | | <gallery> |
| File:Bsg-viper-2.jpg|The rear of a pristine Mk II.
| | Image:Bsg-viper-2.jpg|Zoic CGI model |
| File:Viper Mark II Damaged.jpg|Viper Mark II with visible battle damage.
| | Image:Viper Mk II.jpg|Viper maneuvering (Razor) |
| File:Starbuckmk2disintegrate 104 1080i.jpg|Burning up in an atmosphere (Act of Contrition)
| | Image:Starbuckmk2disintegrate 104 1080i.jpg|Burning up in an atmosphere (Act of Contrition) |
| File:Viper Mk II atmospheric flight.jpg|Viper in atmospheric flight (Razor)
| | Image:7242 Mini.JPG|Viper in perfect condition (Miniseries) |
| File:Viper Mk II Hit and Run.jpg|Destroying a Cylon guard tower
| | Image:1104Tube Mini.JPG|Viper in launch tube (Miniseries) |
| File:7242 Mini.JPG|Viper in perfect condition (Miniseries)
| | Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|Main display configured for a landing |
| File:1104Tube Mini.JPG|Viper in launch tube (Miniseries)
| | Image:Gunsarmed 206 1080i.jpg|Guns armed |
| File:Scifichannel-137.jpg|Viper in maintenance
| | Image:Missilefire 206 1080i.jpg|Missile fired |
| File:MkIICAP.jpg|A pair of Mk. IIs fly CAP
| | Image:Radio_magnetic_indicator.JPG|Instruments: radio-magnetic indicator |
| File:MkIICombatOP.jpg|A squadron of Mk. IIs fly in formation during the Battle for the Tylium Asteroid
| | Image:Vipermk2interior5 104 1080i.jpg|Instruments: altimeter |
| File:MkIIRaiderDance.jpg|A pilot in a Mk. II Viper stares down an enemy Raider
| | Image:Viper Attitude Indicator 1.jpg|Instruments: attitude indicator |
| File:MkIIFire.jpg|A Mk. II fires its main 30mm guns
| | Image:Torque Percent Indicator.JPG|Instruments: torque indicator |
| File:Viper 8757 Inlets Maelstrom.jpg|A Mk. II flies in the upper atmosphere of a gas giant
| | </gallery> |
| File:TRS - Miniseries - Viper Mark II Cockpit Instrumentation.jpg|{{callsign|Starbuck}} operates the [[Viper Mark II]], with the checklists covering the lower display screen {{TRS|Miniseries, Night 2}}.
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| File:MkIIMainPower.jpg|A pilot powers up the Mk. IIs instrument panel
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| File:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|Main display configured for a landing
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| File:Gunsarmed 206 1080i.jpg|Guns armed
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| File:Radio magnetic indicator.JPG|Instruments: radio-magnetic indicator
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| File:Vipermk2interior5 104 1080i.jpg|Instruments: altimeter
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| File:Viper Attitude Indicator 1.jpg|Instruments: attitude indicator
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| File:Torque Percent Indicator.JPG|Instruments: torque indicator
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| File:MkIIWireless.jpg|Instruments: wireless receiver
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| File:TRS - Act of Contrition - Ejection Handle.jpg|Viper ejection handle {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}.
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| File:TRS - Act of Contrition - Viper Mark II Orthographic Chart.jpg|Orthographic chart of the Viper Mark II during [[Kara Thrace]]'s first lecture to [[Nugget|nuggets]] {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}.
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| File:TRS - Act of Contrition - Viper Mark II Cockpit Instrumentation Chart.jpg|Orthographic chart of the Viper Mark II cockpit controls during [[Kara Thrace]]'s first lecture to [[Nugget|nuggets]] {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}.
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| File:1104 BSG.JPG|Canopy detached following a SAR {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}
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| </gallery> | |
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| == References == | | == References == |
| {{reflist}}
| | <div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div> |
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| {{Ships}} | | {{Ships}} |
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| [[de:Viper Mark II]] | | [[de:Viper Mark II]] |
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| {{quality candidate}}
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