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Rycon

2005-06-17T15:12:01Z

172.195.170.60: /* New Series */

==[[RDM Battlestar Galactica|New Series]]==

According to information releaed by [[Zoic|Zoic Studios]], the name of one of the five battlestars built by the Colonials during the [[Cylon War]], the others being ''[[Galactica]]'', ''[[Columbia]]'', ''[[Pegasus]]'' and ''[[Atlantia]]''. There is currently no [[Canon|canonical]] data to support this, but as the ''Rycon'' was a name used in the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|the original series]], it is probable the name would be carried forward to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|new series]].

==[[TOS Battlestar Galactica|The Original Series]]==
[[Image:5_battlestars.jpg|thumb|5 Battlestars at Cimtar (credit: Universal / ABC)]]

Though not specifically seen on screen, the ''Rycon'' is referred to as [[Kronus|Commander Kronus]]'s command ([[Take the Celestra]]), destroyed at the battle of the [[Battle of the Cosmara Archipelago (TOS)|Cosmara Archipelago]].

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 17:53, 27 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft (TOS)]]
[[Category:Colonial Military]]
[[Category:Colonial Military (TOS)]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:TOS]]
[[Category:Battlestars]]

Battlestar

2005-06-17T14:47:44Z

172.195.170.60: /* Overview */

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]==

===Overview===
Battlestars are a heavy class of human-controlled Colonial warship, that combine the functions of aircraft carrier and battle cruiser.

The first five battlestars were laid down shortly before the start of the first [[Cylon War]] and saw action in the early years of the war ([[Mini-Series]]). Seven further battlestars were constructed during the war ([[Zoic]]), leading to a total fleet size of 12, one battlestar representing each of the colony worlds ([[Mini-Series]]).

All the original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of highly-integrated or networked computer systems, as the [[Cylons]] were able to infiltrate and subvert such systems, disabling Colonial defensive capabilities ([[Mini-Series]]).

Following the end of the war, the battlestars remained in service, and their numbers increased. However, later vessels did include networked systems ([[Mini-Series]]), and while the term "battlestar" was used to describe these newer vessels, it is unclear as to whether they were the same overall size and form as the original battlestars. Several of the original 12 vessels were also upgraded ([[Mini-Series]]), with the exception of the battlestar ''[[Galactica]]'', which retained its original command and control systems at the insistence of Commander [[Adama, William|William Adama]] There was a structural upgrade phase where an extra layer of defensive compartmentalized armour was added. Galactica (BG75) was cannibalized of much of the second layer as an economic way to keep the remaining fleet operational in preparation for her decomissioning

Possibly as a result of her "original" condition, the ''Galactica'' was selected to become a living museum / educational centre once decommissioned ([[Mini-Series]]). Following the surprise attack by the Cylons on the Colonials, the ''Galactica'' was left as the only battlestar known to be capable of mounting a counter-offensive, although she was initially hampered by the lack of any defensive munitions on-board.

Battlestars are space-going leviathans. Some 4,500ft in length ([[Zoic]]), they combine the role of a modern airacraft carrier with that of a battle cruiser. Housing some 140-180 "[[Viper]]" space superiority fighters arranged in 6-8 squadrons of 20 apiece, and with 20 reserve aircraft (fan estimate), a fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely manoeuvrable ([[Mini-Series]] - docking at [[Ragnar Anchorage]]) and, in the right circumstances, partially atmosphere-capable ([[Mini-Series]] - docking at Ragnar Anchorage). Their FTL systems are capable of incredibly-accurate jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Mini-Series]]) and of placing them in the midst of debris fields, such as an asteroid belt, without risk of a devastating impact ([[The Hand of God]]).

Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without resupply - their water purification capabilities alone mean that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, they don't need to re-tank with water for several years ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Mini-Series]]), and may well have manufacturing / fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]).

=== Technical Specifications ===

==== Dimensions ====
Hull:
* Length (approx): (4,640ft) (1,414.2 meters)
* Beam (approx): 1,820ft (554.736 meters) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft (approx): 585ft (178.308 meters)

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615.391 meters) HI
* Beam (approx): 360ft (109.728 meters)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64.3128 meters)

==== Propulsion ====

* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils (Zoic)
* 6 x sublight engines (observed - [[33]])
* 40 x manoeuvring engines (10 "packs" of 4 apiece) (Zoic)

==== Aramaments - Defensive ====
* 24 x primary railgun turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
* 504 x point-defence turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)

==== Armaments - Offensive ====
* 6-8 squadrons of Mark VII "[[Viper]]" atmosphere-capable space superiority fighters (fan estimate)
* 20 "reserve" Vipers (fan estimate)
* 6-8 "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance/assault vehicles (fan estimate).

==== Crew ====
(The following are fan estimates)
* 6,000-7,000
* Officers: (TBA)
* Enlisted: (TBA)
* Flight Crew: 3,500 (approx.)

==== Notes ====

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]

* Viper squadrons comprise 20 vehicles apiece, generally supported by a single Raptor.
* The Raptors can also be used to deploy Colonial Marine detachments to the surface of planets or to storm other vessels. Raptors are equipped with a docking collar and accessway in their undersides for this latter role (''Bastille Day'')
* Viper operations are overseen by the CAG - Commander Air Group, the most senior pilot aboard a battlestar.
* An appreciation of the size of a battlestar can be gleaned from the following:
** A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
** The flight pod of a battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[ELINT]] tower
** The beam of a battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long
** Each of the nacelles of a battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.

=== Layout ===
[[Image:Bsg-gal-3.jpg|thumb|Battlestar forward view (credit: Zoic)]]

The original battlestar design common to ''[[Galactica]]'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections:

*Main Hull
*Flight Pods

==== Main Hull ====

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can itself be divided into three sections:

*"Alligator head", containing the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]); water storage tanks
*Midships area: containing the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment, Vipers, personnel, etc. All the necessary hoists for such transfers; main munitions stores and distribution mechnanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc.
*Stern section: sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted in distinctive nacelles of their own, with 2 more mounted between the nacelles, in the stern of the battlestar. The FTL drive coils appear to be mounted between the drive pods and between the hull-mounted sublight engines and the midships section of a battlestar.

The main hull houses all of a battlestar's offensive railguns, and also has a number of point-defence batteries mounted around it.

The manoeuvring thruster packs are located in the port / starboard bows of the "alligator head" (4 thrusters apiece), and on the port / starboard extremities of the four sublight engine nacelles (2 "packs" of 4 thrusters per nacelles).

==== Flight Pods ====
These are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull, to provide a smaller cross-section for the battlestar during the jump itself.

*Each flight pod is approximately 2,000ft in length and has a maximum beam of some 360ft (fan estimates)
*Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod ([[Zoic]])
*The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s, approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the hanger, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, "rolling" combat landings can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage
*The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles
*Each hanger bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, up to and including vessels classified as "heavy" (such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'').
*Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurised connection between an docked vessel and the battlestar
*Pods additionally contain a number of a battlestar's point-defence railguns - one turret being mounted above each Viper launch tube, and others being set along the length of the pod itself
*The hanger bays in the pods are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. There is potentially one hanger bay area per squadron of Vipers, giving each pod 4 bays apiece. The hanger bays are used for general maintenance of Vipers / Raptors and for re-arming operations, etc.
*Viper launch operations are overseen by a senior [[LSO]], with a launch supervisor directly responsible for each launch tube.

Other facilities within the pods include fuel storage areas for the Vipers / Raptors (and potentially for refuelling large vessels docked within the landing bays); munitions stores for Viper weeaponry; munitions stores for the point-defence railguns; parts stores for maintaining Vipers and Raptors, etc.

=== List of Known Battlestars ===
*Battlestar [[Acropolis]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Argo]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Atlantia]] ([[Mini-Series]]/[[Act of Contrition]])
*Battlestar [[Columbia]] ([[Mini-Series]])
*Battlestar [[Galactica]]
*Battlestar [[Pacifica]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Pegasus]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Poseidon]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Prometheus]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Rycon]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Solaria]] ([[Mini-Series]])
*Battlestar [[Triton]] ([[Mini-Series]])

==[[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]==
[[Image:tos_atlantia.jpg|thumb|Original Series Battlestar (credit: Universal / ABC)]]

This section requires expansion

===Overview===
In the original series, battlestars were the direct response to the on-going war with the Cylons. The first battlestars were introduced into Colonial forces around 500 yahren into the war, and proved formidable when placed against the technically-superior Cylon basestars, although at least two battlestars were totally destroyed during significant battles, and a third, the [[Pegasus]], was believed to have been destroyed at the [[Battle of Molecay (TOS)|Battle of Molecay]].

===Technical Specifications===
Hull:
* Length (approx): 4,143-4,166ft
* Beam (approx): 1,672ft (flight pod to flight pod)

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 1,977ft
* Beam (approx): 351ft

==== Propulsion ====

* 2 x FTL engines
* 2 x sublight engines

==== Aramaments - Defensive ====
* 40 x turbolaser turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
* 12 x Anti-Capital Ship Missile Turrets (mounting 4 missile tubes apiece)
* 1 x Heavy Mega Pulsar Cannons

==== Armaments - Offensive ====
* 2 squadrons of Viper atmosphere-capable space superiority fighters (75 in all)

==== Crew ====
* 496 - 1,012

====Notes on Dimensions====
[[Image:Tos-gal-dim.jpg|thumb|Calculating a Battlestar's size (credit: Todd Boyce / Universal ABC)]]

The length and beam figures given here are based on research carried out by [http://ravensbranch.allen.com/galacticasize.html Todd Boyce], a computer animator. There are many differing claims to the actual size of the original battlestars, ranging from some 2,000 (accepted length in a number of gaming systems) through to 2-3 miles in overall length.

Interviews with [[Larson, Glen A.|Glen A. Larson]] and [[Dykstra, John|John Dykstra]], the [[Visual Effects]] supervisor for the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original series]] stated that the original ''[[Galactica#Original Series Galactica|Galactica]]'' was around a mile long. If the scale of the master model used for filming was set at 1/960, then the overall length of the ''Galactica'' and her sister ships would be some 6,080ft - or one [[Wikipeadia:Nautical Mile|nautical mile]]. However, there is no confirmation available that 1/960 (1 inch = 80ft) was in fact the scale of the model, and the figures have thus been "back engineered" to fit the case.

In undertaking his work, Boyce utilised an established baseline for his calculations: the full-size mock-up of a Viper built for filming purposes. This mock-up measured some 28.5ft in length and a wingspan of some 12.5ft, and formed a means by which Boyce could take key shots from various episodes, combine them with a scale model of the ''Galactica'' and extrapolate a reasonably-consistent set of measurements. Thus: using film footage alone, Boyce was able to determine the length of the ''Galactica'' to be some 4,143ft, while use of a scale model produced a figure of some 4,166ft: an acceptable difference of some 23ft. What is more, these measurements appear consistent with the overall size of the Viper launch tubes (calculated at some 16ft in diameter, based on the wingspan of the full-size mock-up and images of Vipers being launched).

Given this degree of similarity in final calculations, these figures have been adopted here as the probable dimensions of the original series battlestars. However, in using these figures, it should be noted that:

* Boyce also used a [[Cylon Raider#Original Series Raider|Cylon Raider]] as a benchmark for his calculations, and produced an overall length for the ''Galactica'' at between 12,818ft and 21,210ft (2.4 and 4 miles). However, these measurements can be discounted on the grounds that:
** They are initially based on assumed data: a shot of a Cylon Raider apparently "overflying" a Colonial Viper. However, no vertical separation distance between the two can be calculated, leading to a completely arbitrary figure (39ft) for the wingspan of the Raider
** These figures would yield launch tubes between some 50ft and 82ft in diameter - which is clearly not supported by film of Viper launches.
* Boyce also used close-up shots of Viper launches to try and calculate the size of the ''Galactica'', and arrived at a figure of 2,712ft, with the flight pods measuring 1,294ft. However, these figures cannot be taken at face value, as they would render the Viper launch tubes with a 10.4ft diameter, making them too small to contain Vipers.

===Myth of the Twelve Battlestars===
Within fan circles, it has always been assumed there were twelve battlestars. Given there are [[Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]], and a [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]], twelve battlestars was perhaps seen as a logical extension of the motif of twelve. However, [[Glen A. Larson]] has stated that there was never any decision to have a specific number of battlestars, nor did the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|original series]] ever mention there only being twelve battlestars; indeed, only eight battlestars were specifically mentioned within the series. Given the length of the human / Cylon war, it seems only logical that overall, far more than twelve of these warships were constructed.

====List of Known Battlestars====
The eight battlestars specifically mentioned in the original series are:

* ''[[Atlantia]]'' - destroyed by the Cylons at [[Cimtar (TOS)|Cimtar]] ([[Saga of a Star World]])
* ''[[Acropolis]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon
* ''[[Columbia]]'' - destroyed prior to the events at Cimtar
* ''[[Galactica#Original Series Galactica|Galactica]]''
* ''[[Pacifica]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon
* ''[[Pegasus]]'' - presumed destroyed at the [[Battle of Molecay (TOS)|Battle of Molecay]] ([[The Living Legend]])
* ''[[Rycon]]'' - destroyed at the [[Battle of the Cosmara Archipelago (TOS)|Battle of the Cosmara Archipelago]] ([[Take the Celestra]])
* ''[[Triton]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon

The Costume Department at New West has indicated that three further battlestars may have been referenced had the show been renewed: the ''[[Solaria]]'', ''[[Cerberus]]'' and ''[[Prometheus]]''.

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 06:15, 8 Feb 2005 (EST)

==[[Video Game]]==

The battlestars of the video game were essentially the same as in the original series; there were a great many of them, they were used en-masse in the [[Cylon War]], and they had existed for 500 years. The major differences were that they had been built centuries before the Cylon attack, and the rigors of the war had necessitated that alien technology be used in repairing them.

Three are mentioned in the game:
*Battlestar ''[[Atlantia]]''
*Battlestar ''[[Galactica]]''
*Battlestar ''[[Perseus]]''

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]] [[Category:Colonial Craft (TOS)]] [[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:Colonial Military (TOS)]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:TOS]] [[Category:Battlestars|*]]

Battlestar

2005-06-17T14:47:00Z

172.195.170.60: /* Overview */

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]==

===Overview===
Battlestars are a heavy class of human-controlled Colonial warship, that combine the functions of aircraft carrier and battle cruiser.

The first five battlestars were laid down shortly before the start of the first [[Cylon War]] and saw action in the early years of the war ([[Mini-Series]]). Seven further battlestars were constructed during the war ([[Zoic]]), leading to a total fleet size of 12, one battlestar representing each of the colony worlds ([[Mini-Series]]).

All the original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of highly-integrated or networked computer systems, as the [[Cylons]] were able to infiltrate and subvert such systems, disabling Colonial defensive capabilities ([[Mini-Series]]).

Following the end of the war, the battlestars remained in service, and their numbers increased. However, later vessels did include networked systems ([[Mini-Series]]), and while the term "battlestar" was used to describe these newer vessels, it is unclear as to whether they were the same overall size and form as the original battlestars. Several of the original 12 vessels were also upgraded ([[Mini-Series]]), with the exception of the battlestar ''[[Galactica]]'', which retained its original command and control systems at the insistence of Commander [[Adama, William|William Adama]] There was a structural upgrade phase where an extra layer of defensive compartmentalized armour was added. Galactica (BG75) was cannibalized of much of the second layer as an economic way to keep the remaining fleet operational in preparation for her decomissioning

Possibly as a result of her "original" condition, the ''Galactica'' was selected to become a living museum / educational centre once decommissioned ([[Mini-Series]]). Following the surprise attack by the Cylons on the Colonials, the ''Galactica'' was left as the only battlestar known to be capable of mounting a counter-offensive, although she was initially hampered by the lack of any defensive munitions on-board.

Battlestars are space-going leviathans. Some 4,500ft in length ([[Zoic]]), they combine the role of a modern airacraft carrier with that of a battle cruiser. Housing some 140-180 "[[Viper]]" space superiority fighters arranged in 6-8 squadrons of 20 apiece, and with 20 reserve aircraft (fan estimate), a fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely manoeuvrable ([[Mini-Series]] - docking at [[Ragnar Anchorage]]) and, in the right circumstances, partially atmosphere-capable ([[Mini-Series]] - docking at Ragnar Anchorage). Their FTL systems are capable of incredibly-accurate jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Mini-Series]])and of placing them in the midst of debris fields, such as an asteroid belt, without risk of a devastating impact ([[The Hand of God]]).

Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without resupply - their water purification capabilities alone mean that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, they don't need to re-tank with water for several years ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Mini-Series]]), and may well have manufacturing / fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]).

=== Technical Specifications ===

==== Dimensions ====
Hull:
* Length (approx): (4,640ft) (1,414.2 meters)
* Beam (approx): 1,820ft (554.736 meters) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft (approx): 585ft (178.308 meters)

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615.391 meters) HI
* Beam (approx): 360ft (109.728 meters)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64.3128 meters)

==== Propulsion ====

* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils (Zoic)
* 6 x sublight engines (observed - [[33]])
* 40 x manoeuvring engines (10 "packs" of 4 apiece) (Zoic)

==== Aramaments - Defensive ====
* 24 x primary railgun turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
* 504 x point-defence turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)

==== Armaments - Offensive ====
* 6-8 squadrons of Mark VII "[[Viper]]" atmosphere-capable space superiority fighters (fan estimate)
* 20 "reserve" Vipers (fan estimate)
* 6-8 "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance/assault vehicles (fan estimate).

==== Crew ====
(The following are fan estimates)
* 6,000-7,000
* Officers: (TBA)
* Enlisted: (TBA)
* Flight Crew: 3,500 (approx.)

==== Notes ====

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]

* Viper squadrons comprise 20 vehicles apiece, generally supported by a single Raptor.
* The Raptors can also be used to deploy Colonial Marine detachments to the surface of planets or to storm other vessels. Raptors are equipped with a docking collar and accessway in their undersides for this latter role (''Bastille Day'')
* Viper operations are overseen by the CAG - Commander Air Group, the most senior pilot aboard a battlestar.
* An appreciation of the size of a battlestar can be gleaned from the following:
** A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
** The flight pod of a battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[ELINT]] tower
** The beam of a battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long
** Each of the nacelles of a battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.

=== Layout ===
[[Image:Bsg-gal-3.jpg|thumb|Battlestar forward view (credit: Zoic)]]

The original battlestar design common to ''[[Galactica]]'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections:

*Main Hull
*Flight Pods

==== Main Hull ====

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can itself be divided into three sections:

*"Alligator head", containing the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]); water storage tanks
*Midships area: containing the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment, Vipers, personnel, etc. All the necessary hoists for such transfers; main munitions stores and distribution mechnanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc.
*Stern section: sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted in distinctive nacelles of their own, with 2 more mounted between the nacelles, in the stern of the battlestar. The FTL drive coils appear to be mounted between the drive pods and between the hull-mounted sublight engines and the midships section of a battlestar.

The main hull houses all of a battlestar's offensive railguns, and also has a number of point-defence batteries mounted around it.

The manoeuvring thruster packs are located in the port / starboard bows of the "alligator head" (4 thrusters apiece), and on the port / starboard extremities of the four sublight engine nacelles (2 "packs" of 4 thrusters per nacelles).

==== Flight Pods ====
These are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull, to provide a smaller cross-section for the battlestar during the jump itself.

*Each flight pod is approximately 2,000ft in length and has a maximum beam of some 360ft (fan estimates)
*Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod ([[Zoic]])
*The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s, approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the hanger, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, "rolling" combat landings can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage
*The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles
*Each hanger bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, up to and including vessels classified as "heavy" (such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'').
*Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurised connection between an docked vessel and the battlestar
*Pods additionally contain a number of a battlestar's point-defence railguns - one turret being mounted above each Viper launch tube, and others being set along the length of the pod itself
*The hanger bays in the pods are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. There is potentially one hanger bay area per squadron of Vipers, giving each pod 4 bays apiece. The hanger bays are used for general maintenance of Vipers / Raptors and for re-arming operations, etc.
*Viper launch operations are overseen by a senior [[LSO]], with a launch supervisor directly responsible for each launch tube.

Other facilities within the pods include fuel storage areas for the Vipers / Raptors (and potentially for refuelling large vessels docked within the landing bays); munitions stores for Viper weeaponry; munitions stores for the point-defence railguns; parts stores for maintaining Vipers and Raptors, etc.

=== List of Known Battlestars ===
*Battlestar [[Acropolis]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Argo]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Atlantia]] ([[Mini-Series]]/[[Act of Contrition]])
*Battlestar [[Columbia]] ([[Mini-Series]])
*Battlestar [[Galactica]]
*Battlestar [[Pacifica]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Pegasus]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Poseidon]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Prometheus]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Rycon]] (Zoic)
*Battlestar [[Solaria]] ([[Mini-Series]])
*Battlestar [[Triton]] ([[Mini-Series]])

==[[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]==
[[Image:tos_atlantia.jpg|thumb|Original Series Battlestar (credit: Universal / ABC)]]

This section requires expansion

===Overview===
In the original series, battlestars were the direct response to the on-going war with the Cylons. The first battlestars were introduced into Colonial forces around 500 yahren into the war, and proved formidable when placed against the technically-superior Cylon basestars, although at least two battlestars were totally destroyed during significant battles, and a third, the [[Pegasus]], was believed to have been destroyed at the [[Battle of Molecay (TOS)|Battle of Molecay]].

===Technical Specifications===
Hull:
* Length (approx): 4,143-4,166ft
* Beam (approx): 1,672ft (flight pod to flight pod)

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 1,977ft
* Beam (approx): 351ft

==== Propulsion ====

* 2 x FTL engines
* 2 x sublight engines

==== Aramaments - Defensive ====
* 40 x turbolaser turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
* 12 x Anti-Capital Ship Missile Turrets (mounting 4 missile tubes apiece)
* 1 x Heavy Mega Pulsar Cannons

==== Armaments - Offensive ====
* 2 squadrons of Viper atmosphere-capable space superiority fighters (75 in all)

==== Crew ====
* 496 - 1,012

====Notes on Dimensions====
[[Image:Tos-gal-dim.jpg|thumb|Calculating a Battlestar's size (credit: Todd Boyce / Universal ABC)]]

The length and beam figures given here are based on research carried out by [http://ravensbranch.allen.com/galacticasize.html Todd Boyce], a computer animator. There are many differing claims to the actual size of the original battlestars, ranging from some 2,000 (accepted length in a number of gaming systems) through to 2-3 miles in overall length.

Interviews with [[Larson, Glen A.|Glen A. Larson]] and [[Dykstra, John|John Dykstra]], the [[Visual Effects]] supervisor for the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original series]] stated that the original ''[[Galactica#Original Series Galactica|Galactica]]'' was around a mile long. If the scale of the master model used for filming was set at 1/960, then the overall length of the ''Galactica'' and her sister ships would be some 6,080ft - or one [[Wikipeadia:Nautical Mile|nautical mile]]. However, there is no confirmation available that 1/960 (1 inch = 80ft) was in fact the scale of the model, and the figures have thus been "back engineered" to fit the case.

In undertaking his work, Boyce utilised an established baseline for his calculations: the full-size mock-up of a Viper built for filming purposes. This mock-up measured some 28.5ft in length and a wingspan of some 12.5ft, and formed a means by which Boyce could take key shots from various episodes, combine them with a scale model of the ''Galactica'' and extrapolate a reasonably-consistent set of measurements. Thus: using film footage alone, Boyce was able to determine the length of the ''Galactica'' to be some 4,143ft, while use of a scale model produced a figure of some 4,166ft: an acceptable difference of some 23ft. What is more, these measurements appear consistent with the overall size of the Viper launch tubes (calculated at some 16ft in diameter, based on the wingspan of the full-size mock-up and images of Vipers being launched).

Given this degree of similarity in final calculations, these figures have been adopted here as the probable dimensions of the original series battlestars. However, in using these figures, it should be noted that:

* Boyce also used a [[Cylon Raider#Original Series Raider|Cylon Raider]] as a benchmark for his calculations, and produced an overall length for the ''Galactica'' at between 12,818ft and 21,210ft (2.4 and 4 miles). However, these measurements can be discounted on the grounds that:
** They are initially based on assumed data: a shot of a Cylon Raider apparently "overflying" a Colonial Viper. However, no vertical separation distance between the two can be calculated, leading to a completely arbitrary figure (39ft) for the wingspan of the Raider
** These figures would yield launch tubes between some 50ft and 82ft in diameter - which is clearly not supported by film of Viper launches.
* Boyce also used close-up shots of Viper launches to try and calculate the size of the ''Galactica'', and arrived at a figure of 2,712ft, with the flight pods measuring 1,294ft. However, these figures cannot be taken at face value, as they would render the Viper launch tubes with a 10.4ft diameter, making them too small to contain Vipers.

===Myth of the Twelve Battlestars===
Within fan circles, it has always been assumed there were twelve battlestars. Given there are [[Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]], and a [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]], twelve battlestars was perhaps seen as a logical extension of the motif of twelve. However, [[Glen A. Larson]] has stated that there was never any decision to have a specific number of battlestars, nor did the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|original series]] ever mention there only being twelve battlestars; indeed, only eight battlestars were specifically mentioned within the series. Given the length of the human / Cylon war, it seems only logical that overall, far more than twelve of these warships were constructed.

====List of Known Battlestars====
The eight battlestars specifically mentioned in the original series are:

* ''[[Atlantia]]'' - destroyed by the Cylons at [[Cimtar (TOS)|Cimtar]] ([[Saga of a Star World]])
* ''[[Acropolis]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon
* ''[[Columbia]]'' - destroyed prior to the events at Cimtar
* ''[[Galactica#Original Series Galactica|Galactica]]''
* ''[[Pacifica]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon
* ''[[Pegasus]]'' - presumed destroyed at the [[Battle of Molecay (TOS)|Battle of Molecay]] ([[The Living Legend]])
* ''[[Rycon]]'' - destroyed at the [[Battle of the Cosmara Archipelago (TOS)|Battle of the Cosmara Archipelago]] ([[Take the Celestra]])
* ''[[Triton]]'' - mentioned in connection with the attack at Cimtar, and so assumed to be one of the battlestars seen near the moon

The Costume Department at New West has indicated that three further battlestars may have been referenced had the show been renewed: the ''[[Solaria]]'', ''[[Cerberus]]'' and ''[[Prometheus]]''.

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 06:15, 8 Feb 2005 (EST)

==[[Video Game]]==

The battlestars of the video game were essentially the same as in the original series; there were a great many of them, they were used en-masse in the [[Cylon War]], and they had existed for 500 years. The major differences were that they had been built centuries before the Cylon attack, and the rigors of the war had necessitated that alien technology be used in repairing them.

Three are mentioned in the game:
*Battlestar ''[[Atlantia]]''
*Battlestar ''[[Galactica]]''
*Battlestar ''[[Perseus]]''

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]] [[Category:Colonial Craft (TOS)]] [[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:Colonial Military (TOS)]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:TOS]] [[Category:Battlestars|*]]

Karl Agathon

2005-06-17T14:34:32Z

172.195.170.60: /* Biography */

[[Image:Bsg-helo-1.jpg|thumb|Karl C. Agathon (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

Rank: Lieutenant (Junior Grade)

Call sign: Helo

Serial: PK-789934

Age: late 20's

Marital Status: Single

Children: None

Currently Listed: Missing in Action, presumed dead

Former Post: [[Raptor]] [[ECO]], Raptor 478, assigned to [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]''

Last known location: [[Caprica]]

(Played by: [[Tahmoh Penikett]])

Agathon was the ECO aboard Raptor 478, piloted by Lt. Sharon "[[Boomer]]" Valerii. He is in his mid-twenties, loyal, capable, resourceful and somewhat attracted to Valerii.

=== Biography ===

At the time of the [[Cylon Attack]], Agathon and Valerii were on patrol with the ''Galactica's'' last fully-operational [[Viper]] squadron, and witnessed the destruction of the squadron by [[Cylon]] [[Raider]]s, after the latter had used the Command Navigation Program ([[CNP]]) to disable the Vipers.

Following the attack, Agathon and Valerii attempted to return to ''Galactica'', avoiding Cylon patrols, but were unsuccessful: their Raptor was damaged during a Cylon missile strike, and Helo received a wound in his leg. As a result of the damage received, the Raptor was forced down on Caprica, where Valerii made emergency repairs, and the ship was mobbed by civilians desperate to get off the planet.

With limited space for survivors aboard the Raptor, Agathon volunteered his seat to Dr. [[Gauis Baltar]] and remained on [[Caprica]] in the hope that Baltar would be of benefit to the Colonials in their renewed fight against the Cylons.

After Boomer's departure, Helo apparently separated from the surviving refugees and fled from the Cylon ground forces. After six days on Caprica, suriving on anti-radiation medications from his survival pack, he was captured after noticing a version of the Cylon called [[Number Six]].

He was then "rescued" by a copy of Sharon Valerii/Boomer, as part of an elaborate (if potentially hastily-conceived) plan / experiment designed to make Valerii the object of Agathon's affections. Several situations are engineered to make this happen:

*A "honey trap" offering reasonably-secure accommodation (a "fall-out shelter") together with sufficient supplies for two people beneath a restaurant [[Act of Contrition]]
*Engineering Valerii's capture to test Helo's loyalty towards her ([[You Can't Go Home Again]] / [[Litmus]])
*Establishing a further (long-term) "honey trap" for Helo and Valerii in the wilderness of Caprica.

However, the Cylon plan goes awry when Valerii appears to fall in love with Agathon, and she forces them both on the run once more, this time genuinely seeking to escape from Caprica via the military base at [[Delphi]], now under Cylon control.

During their attempts to reach Delphi, Agathon witnesses a troop of Cylon [[Warrior]]s being lead by Number Six - the woman he considers to have been killed when Valerii rescued him. This draws him to the conclusion that the Cylons are using human clones they have created ([[Colonial Day]]). Once at Delphi, Agathon receives another shock: not only are further versions of Six on-hand - he also comes face-to-face with another Valerii, thus revealing the truth about "Boomer" to him. Believing he has been lured into a trap, Agathon goes on the run, leaving Valerii at the base.

== Notes ==

=== Note on the origin of "Agathon" ===

The new [[reimagined|Battlestar Galactica]] plays heavily on [[Greek mythology]] / history (the [[Pantheon|Olympian Gods]], use of names such as [[Delphi]], etc.). Therefore it might be interesting to note that "Agathon" may be derived from ''[[Agathos Daimon]]'' - meaning good spirit, one of the group of spirits (daemons) that lie between the gods and mortals. Also, the name Helo bears some similarity to Helios/Helius, the greek god of the sun.

=== Note on Helo ===

Helo's full name (or even his fate) wasn't revealed until "[[33]]". He was initially intended as an expendable character; Penikett's performance in the [[Mini-Series|mini-series]] convinced [[TPTB]] otherwise.

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Kobol

2005-06-17T14:02:43Z

172.195.170.60: /* Overview */

==Overview==
Kobol is said to be the original home of mankind, once shared with the [[Lords of Kobol]].

Kobol is a verdant world of seas and continents, the latter having large swathes of woodland, grassland and forests ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

Kobol was a place where humans and the gods dwelt in harmony, the seat of power being the [[City of the Gods]], itself dominated by the Forum and Opera House ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

==Great Exodus==
The Great Exodus from Kobol took place some 2,000 years prior to the events of the [[re-imagined|new Battestar Galactica]]. At that time, the 12 tribes departed Kobol for the [[Cyrannus]] system ([[Video Game]]).

It is unclear whether the gods themselves departed Kobol at this time. However, given that their presence is not seen amoung the 12 colonies, it is possible they remained on Kobol. This may be the reason why not everyone departed Kobol at the time of the Great Exodus.

Certainly, it is known that the [[Thirteenth Tribe]] departed Kobol some time after the main exodus ([[Mini-Series]]), to seek a planet known as "([[Earth]])". The gods may also have abandoned Kobol at this time to travel with the Thirteenth Tribe.

==Religious Texts==
During the time humans lived on Kobol, many texts were written, some of which have survived through time, and are regarded by some as religious artifacts, and by others the documenting of myths and legends. Chief among these writings are those of [[Pythia]], who wrote some 1,600 years prior to the Great Exodus, fortelling of another exodus featuring a "caravan of the heavens" lead by someone dying of a "wasting disease" ([[The Hand of God]]). This exodus would lead humanity to a new home, although the leader would die before he/she could enter the new home.

Some of the writings of Pythia have apparently come true: [[Roslin, Laura|President Laura Roslin]], the civil leader of the Colonial fleet is dying of cancer - which can be considered a wasting disease. Further, she has several visions, including one of 12 snakes ([[The Hand of God]]) that is specifically foretold by Pythia.

==Rediscovering Kobol==
Kobol is re-discovered by chance when the ''[[Galactica]]'' dispatches her [[Raptor|Raptors]] to locate planets which may provide materials needed to re-supply the fleet ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

Following the discovery as predicted by the [[humano-Cylon]] [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]], Roslin becomes convinced that Kobol will lead the fleet to Earth, providing the [[Tomb of Athena]] can be accessed. To do this, the [[Arrow of Apollo]] must be retreived from [[Caprica]].

However, before the surface of Kobol can be reached safely (and the crew of a crashed Raptor rescued), a [[Cylon]] force lead by a [[basestar]] must be eliminated. It is planned to use the captured Cylon [[Raider]] to help with this, but before any plan can be put into action, [[Thrace, Kara|Lt. "Starbuck" Thrace]] uses the Raider to go to Caprica in an attempt to recover the Arrow. [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]].

==Kobol In the Original Series ==

In the [[Original Series|original series]] Kobol was also the mother world where mankind originated. In that series, it was an ecological / environmental disaster that lead to the migration. During the migration, 12 tribes set out for the stars, but became lost in a starless void before stumbling into the worlds that would become the new twelve colonies of mankind, while the 13th again headed for a world called "Earth".

Kobol is rediscovered in the episode [[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]], which sees a team from the ''[[Galactica]]'' arrive among the ruins of [[Eden]], the planet's largest city. Here they seek to enter the tomb of the [[Ninth Lord of Kobol]] in order to find clues as to the route taken by the Thirteeth Tribe ([[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II]]). A [[TOS Cylon|Cylon]] attack prevents them from doing so.

===Similarities with the [[Re-imagined|New Galactica]]===

Both series of Galactica utilise Kobol in similar ways:

*It is the original home of mankind
*It is found by chance by both fleets
*A tomb may hold the key to the location of Earth
**[[Ninth Lord of Kobol]] - [[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]
**[[Tomb of Athena]] - [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]
*The Colonials encounter Cylons at both.

==Origins of "Kobol"==
"Kobol" originally appears to have derived from "Kolob" which, according to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_articles_about_Mormonism Mormon] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Abraham Book of Abraham] is the "star nearest unto God". [[Glen A. Larson]], creator of the original series is a member of the of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], and as such used Mormon imagery within the show, together with elements of Eygptian imagery that tend to reflect the time of Abraham and the Israelites.

Additional information in preparation, and will be uploaded shortly

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More to be added

Chamalla

2005-06-17T13:44:00Z

172.195.170.60:

Probably a Colonial plant, root or vegetable, origins unknown.

Extracts from Chamalla are used as alternative / herbalistic / heuristic medicines, possibly for a range of treatments, up to and including cancer.

The benefits of the extract are viewed as questionable by those in the medical profession, as evidenced by Doctor [[Cottle|Cottle's]] reaction to [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin's]] request to use it when he confirms her cancer is inoperable.

A side effect from using Chamalla appears to be that the user suffers from hallucinations or visions. However, in Roslin's case, these seem to be remarkably prescient ([[Flesh and Bone]], [[The Hand of God]], [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

==Notes==
Kamala is a small tree native to southeast Asia (Mallotus philippinensis). Its fruit yields Kamala powder, which has two uses:

# As a dye which produces brilliant yellows and oranges on wool, mohair, and silk.
# As a vermifugal (causing the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms), generally given mixed with honey, gruel, or treacle, or made into a draught with mucilage of gum acacia and water.

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Number Two

2005-06-17T13:39:32Z

172.195.170.60: /* Biography */

[[Image:Leoben_conoy_001.jpg|thumb|A copy of Leoben Conoy about to be executed. ([[Flesh and Bone]]) (Credit: Sky One)]]

[[Humano-Cylon]] Agent

Sex: Male

Portrayed by [[Callum Keith Rennie]].

== Biography ==

Leoben Conoy has the appearance of a man in his mid-forties. He is first encountered at the [[Ragnar Anchorage]], where he poses as an arms dealer. Already sick from the radiation around Ragnar, he becomes trapped aboard the station with [[Adama, William|Commander Adama]] after a warhead is accidentally detonated ([[Mini-Series]]).

As they try to find another way out the station, Leoben reveals his true nature to Adama through conversation, initially by claiming to be something of a philosopher. Identifying Conoy as a Cylon on the point of death, Adam challenges him, and learns of the Cylon's ability to transfer their consciousness to another body when dying. Only Leoben can't - the radiation is interfering with his ability. A fight ensues, during which Adama manages to bludgeon Conoy to death, bringing the body back to the ''[[Galactica]]'' for examination. The body is then stored in the ship's morgue ([[Flesh and Bone]]).

Conoy is again encountered when a copy is found apparently stowing away aboard the ''[[Gemenon Traveller]]''. Knowing the model's ability to weave fact, fiction and outright lies into a confusing fabric of truth, half-truths and deceit, Adama wants the copy destroyed. However, he is overruled by [[Roslin, Laura|President Roslin]], who demands the model is interrogated.

[[Thrace, Kara|Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] is assigned to interrogate Conoy aboard the ''Gemenon Traveller''. Over the course of eight hours, Conoy demonstrates his ability to confuse and mix truth with lies: he claims to have planted a nuclear device somewhere in the fleet, but will not reveal where. He also mixes what appears to be religious mumbo-jumbo with penetrating insights into Colonial philosophy and Starbuck's own past ([[Flesh and Bone]]).

While she resorts to ever-more drastic measures to obtain details on the alleged bomb's location, Starbuck finds herself being drawn into Leoben's vision of life. So much so that when Roslin orders his execution, Starbuck very much empathises with him.

Prior to his death, Conoy reveals there is no bomb, and uses a reason suggested by Starbuck in the initial stages of his interrogation: that his is so far from other Cylon centres of influence, he cannot transmit his "soul" back to home should his body die. However, the real purpose of his mission is revealed when President Roslin arrives aboard the ''Traveller'' and he manages to whisper to her that Adama is in fact a Cylon - thus planting a potentially dangerous seed of doubt between her and Adama.

Convinced now of the danger in keeping Conoy alive, Roslin orders him ejected from the ''Traveller''.

Interestingly, Roslin had a premonition of Conoy's surfacing in the fleet when she had a dream about him at the time he was captured. Later, in her cabin on ''[[Colonial One]]'', she had a vision of him talking to her which prompted her decision to visit him in person - thus allowing him to complete his mission.

At the time of the dream and the vision, Roslin assumed both were the result of her using [[Chamalla]] to treat her cancer. However, both may have been the result of some form of psychic ability on the part of Conoy.

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