Editing Viper Mark III

{{Ship Data
| image=Viper-Mk-III-Perspective.png
| title= Viper Mk. III
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= No
| propol= * 3x sublight boosters <br /> * RCS thrusters
| crew= 1x pilot
| role= Space superiority fighter / ground air support
| arm= * 2x [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|30mm Cannons]] <br /> * Missile hardpoints
| status= Retired from military service
}}
The '''Viper Mark III''' is a fighter craft used by the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] in the latter part of the [[Cylon War]], circa {{BCH|42}}. It is the successor of the [[Viper Mark II]] and a precursor to fighters used by the Fleet following the war, including the [[Viper Mark VII]] {{TRS|Blood and Chrome|Miniseries, Night 1}}.

== Design ==
The Mark III retains the same shape and layout as the Mark II, however is slightly larger than the predecessor.<ref>The exact size is never stated in canon, however, [http://d2bm3ljpacyxu8.cloudfront.net/width/935/crop/0,0,935x623/www.pierre-drolet-sci-fi-museum.com/Viper_MarkIIB_Ortho.jpg modeler Pierre Drolet lists] 10.6 meters long, 6.77 meters wide, and 3.85 meters tall (presumed to include landing gear). These sizes would be too large to fit in series established launch tubes without the tubes themselves being larger as well. The launch tubes are not directly seen in the production, but considering the enlarged hangar bay, it is quite possible that they were, creating yet another series continuity error.</ref> It featured a drab grey paint scheme with red accents along the wings and nose, and identification numbers printed along the front side and along the vertical stabilizer.<ref>In yet another production error, each Viper was a clone of a single model, featuring the same squad and tail numbers - 407, and SF/10 579011, respectively.</ref>

According to the pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'', the Mark III Vipers were specifically designed for special operations missions and were "sleeker planes with bigger wings" compared to standard models.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 53</ref> The enhanced wing design was intended for both space combat and ground air support missions, making them suitable for the diverse operational requirements of the [[Ghost Fleet Offensive]] and similar special operations.
  
The Viper Mark III features:
*an angular forward fuselage cross section
*a revised cockpit canopy featuring rounder edges
*more angular side intakes with intake ramps
*narrower thrust nozzles
*deletion of structures housing the rear undercarriage and reduction of the ventral fairing; all three landing struts retract directly into the main fuselage
*two internal missile launchers on the underside
*control surfaces for maneuverability in atmosphere
*enhanced wing design for ground air support capabilities

== Operational History ==

=== Ghost Fleet Operations ===

The Viper Mark III saw significant service during the secret [[Ghost Fleet Offensive]] near the end of the [[First Cylon War]]. According to the pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'', Mark III Vipers were specifically assigned to special operations units operating from [[Orion class battlestar|''Orion''-class]] stealth ships like ''[[Osiris]]''.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 53</ref>

These fighters were described as being "loaded for bear" and prepared for atmospheric insertion missions, demonstrating their versatility in both space and planetary environments. The script indicates that approximately ten Mark III Vipers were typically assigned to each special operations mission, suggesting they operated in larger squadrons than the smaller complements seen on regular battlestars.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=53}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 52</ref>

=== Battle of Djerba ===

Mark III Vipers participated in the [[Battle of Djerba]], where their atmospheric capabilities were put to the test against [[Cylon Raiders]] that had been modified with adaptive flight systems. The script describes how these Vipers were launched from forward-facing tubes on ''Orion''-class ships, allowing for rapid deployment during combat operations.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=59}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 58</ref>

During atmospheric combat, the Mark III's enhanced wing design proved crucial for maintaining maneuverability against Cylon forces that had developed their own atmospheric adaptation capabilities. However, the battle also demonstrated the limitations of even advanced Colonial fighters when facing overwhelming numerical odds and adaptive enemy technology.

== Script Version Details ==

The pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' provides additional technical and operational details about the Mark III that were not included in the final production. The script emphasizes that these fighters were specifically chosen for special operations due to their enhanced capabilities over standard Mark II Vipers.

The Mark III's role in special operations included support for covert missions deep in Cylon-controlled territory, where their atmospheric flight capabilities were essential for planetary operations. The script suggests that the Mark III represented a significant advancement in Colonial fighter technology, bridging the gap between the wartime Mark II and the post-war developments that would lead to the Mark VII.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 53</ref>

The fighters were also noted for their integration with the cramped hangar facilities of ''Orion''-class ships, where space constraints required more efficient operations than those possible on full-sized battlestars. This operational requirement influenced both the design and deployment strategies for Mark III squadrons.

== Notes ==
* The Viper Mark III's control stick appears to be a Logitech Wingman.
* The Mark III is similar to an early design for the Mark II Viper made during pre-production of the 2003 [[Miniseries]], which was simplified into the final version to ease the construction of the full-size prop.<ref name="mini">Based on production stills and research from Galactiguise [https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=433510556702888&set=a.197073257013287.60928.153581084695838&type=1 Source 1] [https://www.facebook.com/galactiguise/posts/434270826626861 Source 2]</ref>
* The script version of ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' provides much more detail about the Mark III's special operations role and atmospheric capabilities than appears in the final production.

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="slideshow">
Image:Vipers in Hangar.jpg|Mk. III Vipers in a hotstack on ''Galactica''.
Image:Viper-mark-III2.png|Mk. III in atmospheric flight.
Image:Viper-mark-III.png|Mk. III in flight.
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

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[[de:Viper Mark III]]