Editing Weapons in the Original Series

{{disline|For the article that covers weapons seen in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]].}}

The weapons depicted in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] and, to a lesser extent its disowned spin-off [[Galactica 1980|''Galactica 1980'']], comprise mainly of laser-based technology and ordnance-like warheads.

The article attempts to explain how they work in relation to current real world technologies, using [[BW:CJ|logical deduction and plausible speculation]] based on evidence presented in the series.

== Lasers ==

: ''For an overview of various laser weapons and technologies, see: [[Laser]].''

Laser weapons are a form of [[w:directed-energy weapon|directed-energy weapon]]. Most uses of lasers depicted in the Original Series act more like particle beams, since lasers would be too fast to be seen by the human eye, since they would travel at the [[w:speed of light|speed of light]]. Additionally, true laser weapons would likely not be in the visible light spectrum, since shorter wavelengths are more energetic, and thus be invisible to the human eye.

=== Laser torpedoes ===

In "[[Saga of a Star World]]", [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] mentions taking out the [[Cylon Mine]]s in the [[Straits of Madagon]] using '''laser torpedoes'''. 

It is the only time that the weapons are referred to and visual effects look no different than regular lasers depicted during the series on.

However, even with the nomenclature change, the laser blasts fired from both {{TOS|Viper}}s and [[Raider (TOS)|Raider]]s tend to explode after a certain range. While probably meant to mirror regular munitions fire from warplane dogfights during conflicts such as [[w:World War II|World War II]], the explosive nature of the munitions suggest something more than lasers.

=== Ravashol pulsar ===

{{mainarticle|Ravashol pulsar}}

Dr. [[Ravashol]] created an energy lens system named after him. It is designed much like a high-energy laser communication device, meant to send messages into deep space over vast distances. 

It is somehow modified to be used as an offensive weapon. It is unknown how this is done precisely, since the sheer destructive power of the beam would be contrary to its intended purpose. After all, information transmitted using the pulsar would not be receivable since it would destroy any receiving station meant to capture the signal. 

In addition, the beam is seen exploding after near misses with the ships of the [[The Fleet (TOS)|Fleet]], which means that it is not so much a laser as it is a particle weapon {{OS|The Gun on Ice Planet Zero}} 

=== Hand held laser guns ===

{{mainarticle|Laser pistol}}

In the beginning of the series, fire from a laser pistol or Cylon [[laser rifle]] is seen with only a flash from the muzzle of the weapon and the spark of the energy bolt that hits the target. The actual emission is invisible to the naked eye. 

The [[Centurion (TOS)|Centurion]]s wear [[w:mirro|mirro]]red body armor over most of their body. Since mirrors can absorb most laser energy without being damaged, it is likely that the armor is mirrored for the purposes of protecting the Centurions from laser damage.

=== Battlestar lasers ===

[[File:Laser shield.jpg|thumb|''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' uses her laser weapons to create a shield over [[Terra]] to intercept and destroy nuclear missiles.]]

Lasers of a [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] tend to act similarly to the "[[#laser torpedoes|laser torpedoes]]" of a Viper.

In at least one divergent example, however, ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' is able to use their lasers as a form of shield to prevent missiles from striking a [[Terra|planetary surface]] {{OS|Experiment in Terra}}.

{{Clear}}

== Projectile Weapons ==

In their flight from the Cylon tyranny, the Fleet's Warriors happen upon disconnected human settlements, notably [[Equellus]] and [[Sectar (planet)|Sectar]], use hand-held projectile weaponry.

=== Pneumatic-based ===

Pneumatic-based weaponry, referred to as the [[numo]] on [[Equellus]], uses air to propel projectiles. This type of weaponry is unable to pierce armor of [[Centurion (TOS)|Cylon Centurions]], such as [[Red-Eye]], in one-on-one altercations {{OS|The Lost Warrior}}. 

=== Chemical-based ===

[[File:TOS - The Magnificent Warriors - Bogan and Duggy with Farnes Before the Borays Arrive.jpg|thumb|[[Sire]] [[Bogan]] and [[Duggy]] with Constable [[Farnes]] as he checks his rifle before facing the [[Borays]] in [[Serenity]] {{OS|The Magnificent Warriors}}.]]

Chemical-based weaponry uses chemical reactions of ignitable materials to propel projectiles. The denizens of [[Serenity]], an [[agron colony]] on [[Sectar (planet)|Sectar]], make use of such weapons to defend themselves against [[Boray]] raiders {{OS|The Magnificent Warriors}}.

In the disowned spin-off ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', the denizens of [[Earth (1980)|Earth]] made use of projectile weapons. [[Galactican|Galacticans]] Captain [[Troy (1980)|Troy]] and Lieutenant [[Dillon]] acquire weapons from German soldiers during World War II in their pursuit of [[Xaviar]] {{G80|Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II}}, while later often encounter Earthlings in 1980 CE with such weapons during their missions including, but not limited to, being held hostage by Cuban terrorists aboard an aircraft bound for [[New York]]  {{G80|The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I}}.

== Ordnance ==

Explosives made from volatile materials are also seen in the series; most explosive devices seen in the series tend to be handheld, like [[hand mine]]s, while the only major payload heard of is the [[pluton bomb]]. 

=== Nuclear devices ===

The people of [[Terra]] had developed [[w:nuclear warhead|nuclear ordnance]]; such technology was known to the Colonials, but was not in use during their flight from the Colonies {{OS|Experiment in Terra}}. 

== Tie-in Material Information ==

* ''According to ''[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]'' (a non-canonical piece of merchandise published in 1979):''

: Among humans, only [[Colonial Warrior|Colonial Warriors]] carry [[Laser pistol|laser pistols]], while [[Laser rifle|Cylon lasers]] are large and powerful. <ref>{{cite book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=38}}</ref>  High-energy turbo-lasers are the main Viper weapon, with one hit capable of destroying a Cylon [[Raider (TOS)|Raider]] and a full payload correctly targeted able to inflict severe damage on a [[Basestar (TOS)|Baseship]]. <ref>{{cite book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=56}}</ref>  Cylon Baseships, along with Raiders, are equipped with nutron-cased laser torpedoes launched to destroy human battlestars. <ref>{{cite book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=17}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=48}}</ref>

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Technology]]
[[Category: Technology (TOS)]]
[[Category: Weapons]]
[[Category: TOS]]