Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Galactica (TRS)

2007-02-02T22:58:37Z

Zackl199:

:''For the Original Series ''Galactica'', see [[Galactica (TOS)]]. For the Video Game ''Galactica'', see [[Galactica (Video Game)]].''

:''For more general information about this type of ship, see [[Galactica type battlestar]].''
{{Ship Data
| image= Bsg-bsg-1.jpg
| title= Galactica (BS 75)
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Approximately 2,650
| co= [[William Adama]]
| xo= [[Saul Tigh]] (resumed position as of [[The Passage]])
| role= Carrier / battleship hybrid
| weapons= As many as 506 point-defense dual [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], 24 primary dual [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], at least 12 missile launch tubes capable of firing conventional missiles and nuclear warheads, Vipers, Raptors
| status= Active
| img= Y
}}
[[Galactica type battlestar|The veteran battlestar]] '''''Galactica'' (BS 75)''' is the most famous warship in the [[Colonial Fleet]]. Built in time to participate in the [[Cylon War]], she remained the only military vessel without integrated [[Computers|computer networks]]. Without networked computers, ''Galactica'' never upgraded to the new [[Command Navigation Program|integrated defence system software]] developed by Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] and his [[Number Six|team]]. Because of this and other fortunes, she became one of only [[Pegasus (RDM)|two]] battlestars to survive the renewed [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] on the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]], some 40 years after the end of the first war. At the time of the attack, she was part of the [[75th Battlestar Group]] (BSG-75).

== History ==

''Galactica'' was one of the twelve first battlestars to be laid down by the Colonials. Initially they built a battlestar to represent each colony, where ''Galactica'' represented [[Caprica]]. As such, she is some 50 years old. Following the outbreak of Cylon hostilities several more battlestars were built. ''Galactica's'' first commander was named [[Nash]] ([[Miniseries]]).
[[Image:Mini gal top.jpg|left|thumb|A dorsal view of ''Galactica''. The starboard [[flight pod]] is covered by a window to form the [[Galactica Museum|museum area]].]]
The original battlestars were all designed with non-integrated computer systems to avoid the Cylons' demonstrated ability to override or subvert networked command and control systems early in the war ([[Miniseries]]). Rather than technological sophistication, the battlestar depended on its sheer bulk and defensive / offensive capabilities to ward off any threats to itself or the Colonies.

Following the [[Armistice Station|armistice]] with the Cylons, and their withdrawal from Colonial space, ''Galactica'' and her sister ships served the Twelve Colonies in a variety of roles. While her surviving sister ships were scrapped or upgraded to match the systems capabilities of newer Colonial vessels, ''Galactica'' continued in service without her systems being fully networked or integrated, making her unique among Colonial military vessels ([[Miniseries]]). Galactica was relegated to intrasystem duties for at least 20 years prior to her decommissioning.

With her active career drawing to a close, a decision was taken to retire ''Galactica'' and decommission her from service. [[Colonial Fleet]] chose not to scrap her, but to turn her into a combination of living museum to the original Cylon War and an educational center, with her conversion being overseen by her final commander, [[William Adama]] ([[Miniseries]]).

At the time of her formal decommissioning ceremony, ''Galactica'' is stripped of all but one of her operational [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] Mark VII squadrons, her munitions are destroyed, and her starboard landing pod is a pressurized [[Galactica Museum|museum]] which houses (among other things) a full squadron of [[Viper Mark II|Mk. II Vipers]] as well as a Viper model that appears [[Viper (TOS)|older than the Mark II]] (Miniseries, also in Deleted Scenes).

With the renewed and unexpected Cylon hostilities, ''Galactica'' quickly proves her worthiness as a warship is far from over as she sorties several Mark IIs retrieved from her museum to challenge her first Cylon attack in over 40 years (her last Mark VII squadron was sent to Caprica for reassignment). The old battlestar withstands a direct hit from a tactical nuclear missile while unsuccessfully performing evasive maneuvers, but later [[FTL|Jumps]] successfully to [[Ragnar Anchorage]] to retrieve much-needed ammunition stores at this hidden depot.

''Galactica'' finally bares her teeth in this new Cylon war as she single-handedly engages two [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] with her gun batteries, providing covering fire for [[The Fleet (RDM)|an assortment of 75 civilian ships]] containing the last survivors of the Twelve Colonies. All ships, with ''Galactica'' last to leave the engagement zone, escape to a destination past the [[Red Line]], never to return to Colonial space.

Since the exodus of the Colonials from their overrun homeworlds, ''Galactica'' becomes both protector and provider for the Fleet. She provides covering fire for the Fleet during Cylon attacks no fewer than 240 times ([[33]], [[Act of Contrition]]). The battlestar provides much of the Fleet with recycled water ([[Water]]) and she is the primary source of medical care, where groups of civilians are periodically brought aboard for check-ups and treatment ([[Litmus]]). ''Galactica'' also undertakes internal policing duties within the Fleet ([[Water]], [[Bastille Day]]).

''Galactica'' successfully goes on the offensive against the Cylons, capturing a [[tylium]] fuel mining and processing plant in the process ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]).

The [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', commanded by Admiral [[Helena Cain]], joins ''Galactica'' approximately 6 months into their exile (See the series [[Timeline (RDM)|timeline]] for special information about this milestone).

''Pegasus'' and ''Galactica'' destroy two [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] as well as a critical Cylon support ship known as the [[Resurrection Ship]]. After Admiral Cain's death, President [[Laura Roslin]] promotes William Adama to Admiral, restoring him to overall Fleet command, but now with two battlestars at his disposal ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).

===New Caprica===
Following the founding of [[New Caprica]], ''Galactica'' is assigned to the Orbital Defense Force that protects the planet. During this time the majority of its crew are sent to the surface in an effort to populate the planet and restore the human race – including most of its senior officers — seemingly convinced that the Cylons would never find New Caprica. The diminished staff inevitably results in basic maintenance becoming overlooked or ignored. Basic military responses, such as the launching of alert fighers and routine training exercises become difficult to execute. One year following the founding of New Caprica, a fleet of Cylon ships jump into orbit of the planet. Severely limited in its abilities, Admiral Adama and the Defense Fleet jumps away from New Caprica — vowing that they'd return to liberate the planet ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).

===[[Battle of New Caprica]]===
Four months after the escape, ''Galactica'''s staff is still in the process of developing a rescue strategy with 16 training exercises having been completed and a 17th underway when an accident causes its early ending ([[Occupation]]). This forces both a change in strategy and the reformulation of a rescue plan to deal with personnel who have not seen conflict in 16 months. While ''Galactica'' fights to liberate the Colonials on-planet, ''Pegasus'' is assigned to protect the remaining civilian fleet and continue its search for [[Earth]] ("[[Precipice]]", "[[Exodus, Part I]]").

Coordinating with the New Caprica Resistance, ''Galactica'' deploys several waves of Vipers and Raptors to launch an offensive against the Cylons. As the resistance bombs Cylon facilities on the ground, Raptors deploy decoy drones to make it appear as if both ''Galactica'' and ''Pegasus'' jumped into orbit. The Cylons reposition their forces to engage the decoys, while ''Galactica'' jumps into the atmosphere of the planet. ''Galactica'' deploys several squadrons as she falls to the surface, but takes severe damage from the atmospheric entry. Once back in orbit of the planet, the damage is ascertained as the Cylons close in. Close to death, ''Galactica'' survives thanks to the intervention of ''Pegasus''. Her [[FTL|FTL drives]] once again functioning, ''Galactica'' is able to escape from the system and reunites with the fleet, now the sole military vessel again after the destruction of ''Pegasus'' during the battle ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

''Galactica'' from this point forward bears the scars of this battle, significant scorching to the hull and the armour is visible. It has not been directly acknowledged whether this has affected ''Galactica'''s combat abilities or her [[FTL]]. However ''Galactica'' is still able to make combat jumps and hold off a superior Cylon force for a short duration in the [[Battle_of_NCD2539|Battle of NCD2539]] ([[A Measure of Salvation]]).

== Equipment ==
[[Image:BSG-KEW-Turret.jpg|thumb|One of ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> large cannon [[battery|turrets]]]]
''Galactica'' shares the same overall technical specifications as other original Colonial battlestars of [[Galactica type battlestar|her class]], with the following key differences and qualifications:

===Available Flight Pods===
As part of its decommissioning, ''Galactica's'' port [[flight pod]] was the only one in service. The starboard flight pod was enclosed and pressurized as the [[Galactica Museum|main museum display]] for her pending decommission. It is violently depressurized after a [[Heavy Raider]] crashes into it ([[Scattered]]).

By the time of the exodus from [[New Caprica]], the starboard hangar deck is being used as a temporary [[Camp Oil Slick|housing facility]] for refugees ([[Exodus, Part II]]). The starboard flight pod is apparently brought back to working flight recovery, as Major Lee Adama directs his Raptor boarding team to approach and land in the starboard pod ([[A Measure of Salvation]]).

===Nuclear Warheads===
''Galactica'' had five nuclear warheads as of "[[Bastille Day]]." Commander [[William Adama]] uses one warhead to destroy a Cylon [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]). Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] cannibalizes one to use in his [[Cylon Detector]], which he later gives to [[Gina]], who detonates it aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. This leaves ''Galactica'' with three warheads (It is unknown how many nuclear warheads ''Pegasus'' still had when it encountered ''Galactica'', and they may have pooled their nuclear ordnance stockpiles since then). As of "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]", Galactica has at least seven warheads ([[Missile tubes|launch tubes]] 4 through 10) attached to missiles that can be used for ground assault.

:''The yield of these weapons is unknown. It is likely they are of a "dial a yield" design which is common in real-life nuclear weapons. Because the "physics" of nuclear weapon design is a measureable science, and based on the size of the weapon seen in ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), it is likely the yield of Galactica's weapons are between 5 and 150kt. This is extrapolated from the size of the weapon, compared to a modern day ([[w:W80|W80]])-class nuclear warhead used by the United States.''

===Available spacecraft===

:''For information on the fighter squadrons stationed on ''Galactica'' see: [[Squadrons of Galactica]]''

====Vipers====
Prior to the arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', ''Galactica'' has at maximum thirty-four Vipers, of which at least six are Mark VIIs (c.f. [[Viper tally]]).

''Galactica'' receives additional supplies from ''Pegasus'' since her arrival that helps in repair and refurbishment of her original fighter complement; more recently, she receives new Mark VII Vipers built aboard ''Pegasus'' using raw materials mined from an asteroid and the advanced battlestar's Viper construction facilities ([[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus,]] [[Scar]]).

====Raptors====
The number of [[Raptor|Raptors]] available to ''Galactica'' is portrayed inconsistently. The current assumption is that the battlestar has at least five Raptors, having left [[Ragnar Anchorage]] with at least eight (c.f. [[Raptor tally]]).

====Other Craft====
*''Galactica'' currently posesses two [[Heavy Raider|Heavy Raiders]]. One is hit by ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> defensive fire and crashes into the starboard flight pod with unknown damage ([[Scattered]]). The other returns in operational status from Caprica ([[Home, Part I]]). One of ''Galactica'''s [[Heavy Raider]]s is relieved of its FTL navigation system for use on the rescue mission to [[Caprica]] ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]).
*A second [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Raider]] is in ''Galactica's'' possession after [[Daniel Novacek]]'s "escape" from a basestar ([[Hero]]), replacing the one retrieved by [[Kara Thrace]] and lost during the quest for the [[Arrow of Apollo]] ([[Scattered]]).
*An experimental stealth fighter, the [[Blackbird]], is constructed using spare parts ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]) and used in a critically successful reconnaissance mission to explore the nature of what comes to be known as the [[Resurrection Ship]]. The Blackbird is later destroyed after completing her last mission during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).
*''Galactica'' possesses fuel tankers used to supply fuel to Vipers and Raptors in flight without the need to dock with the ship. These may be dedicated craft or specially fitted shuttles or Raptors ([[Occupation]]).

== Crew ==
Before the attack, ''Galactica'' has approximately 2,800 crewmen, while awaiting its decommissioning. By the time of the arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', attrition has reduced this number to about 2,660. (c.f. [[Crew tally]])
*Between "[[Act of Contrition]]" and "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]" ''Galactica's'' offensive capability is also greatly hampered by the number of [[List of Pilots|qualified pilots]] available, and their lack of flight simulators with which to train more. Since ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> reunion with ''Pegasus'', this has ceased to be an issue ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Mini gal side viper.jpg|right|thumb|A stricken and slowly spinning ''Galactica'' after a nuclear missile strike. [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck's]] [[Viper Mark II|Viper]] closes in to survey.]]

====Senior Staff ====

===== CIC =====

*Admiral [[William Adama]] - Commanding Officer
*Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] - [[Executive Officer]]
*Captain [[Karl Agathon]]
*Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] - [[Tactical officer]], Senior Officer of the Watch
*Lieutenant [[Hoshi]] - [[Communications Officer]]
*Lieutenant [[Anastasia Dualla]]

===== Air Group =====

*Major [[Lee Adama]] - CAG ([[CAG|Commander, Air Group]])
*Captain [[Kara Thrace]]
*Lieutenant [[Margaret Edmondson]]
*Lieutenant [[Sharon Agathon]]

===== Support =====

*Major [[Cottle]] - [[Chief Medical Officer]]
*Captain Aaron Kelly - [[Landing Signal Officer]], Second Officer
*Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]] - Chief of the Deck
*Gunnery Sergeant [[Erin Mathias]] - Senior [[Marine]] NCO

==Related Imagery==
<gallery>
Image:Galactica Ortho copy.jpg|''Galactica'' - Rendering by [[Zoic]]    
Image:BSG Ortho Bottom.jpg|''Galactica'' - Rendering by [[Zoic]]    
Image:Pointdefence2 101 1080i.jpg|''Galactica's'' point defence batteries in action    
</gallery>

{{Ships}}

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

[[es:Galactica (RDM)]]
[[de:Galactica (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Galactica (TRS)

2007-02-02T22:43:23Z

Zackl199:

:''For the Original Series ''Galactica'', see [[Galactica (TOS)]]. For the Video Game ''Galactica'', see [[Galactica (Video Game)]].''

:''For more general information about this type of ship, see [[Galactica type battlestar]].''
{{Ship Data
| image= Bsg-bsg-1.jpg
| title= Galactica (BS 75)
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Approximately 2,650
| co= [[William Adama]]
| xo= [[Saul Tigh]] (resumed position as of [[The Passage]])
| role= Carrier / battleship hybrid
| weapons= As many as 506 point-defence dual [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], 24 primary dual [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, Vipers, Raptors
| status= Active
| img= Y
}}
[[Galactica type battlestar|The veteran battlestar]] '''''Galactica'' (BS 75)''' is the most famous warship in the [[Colonial Fleet]]. Built in time to participate in the [[Cylon War]], she remained the only military vessel without integrated [[Computers|computer networks]]. Without networked computers, ''Galactica'' never upgraded to the new [[Command Navigation Program|integrated defence system software]] developed by Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] and his [[Number Six|team]]. Because of this and other fortunes, she became one of only [[Pegasus (RDM)|two]] battlestars to survive the renewed [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] on the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]], some 40 years after the end of the first war. At the time of the attack, she was part of the [[75th Battlestar Group]] (BSG-75).

== History ==

''Galactica'' was one of the twelve first battlestars to be laid down by the Colonials. Initially they built a battlestar to represent each colony, where ''Galactica'' represented [[Caprica]]. As such, she is some 50 years old. Following the outbreak of Cylon hostilities several more battlestars were built. ''Galactica's'' first commander was named [[Nash]] ([[Miniseries]]).
[[Image:Mini gal top.jpg|left|thumb|A dorsal view of ''Galactica''. The starboard [[flight pod]] is covered by a window to form the [[Galactica Museum|museum area]].]]
The original battlestars were all designed with non-integrated computer systems to avoid the Cylons' demonstrated ability to override or subvert networked command and control systems early in the war ([[Miniseries]]). Rather than technological sophistication, the battlestar depended on its sheer bulk and defensive / offensive capabilities to ward off any threats to itself or the Colonies.

Following the [[Armistice Station|armistice]] with the Cylons, and their withdrawal from Colonial space, ''Galactica'' and her sister ships served the Twelve Colonies in a variety of roles. While her surviving sister ships were scrapped or upgraded to match the systems capabilities of newer Colonial vessels, ''Galactica'' continued in service without her systems being fully networked or integrated, making her unique among Colonial military vessels ([[Miniseries]]). Galactica was relegated to intrasystem duties for at least 20 years prior to her decommissioning.

With her active career drawing to a close, a decision was taken to retire ''Galactica'' and decommission her from service. [[Colonial Fleet]] chose not to scrap her, but to turn her into a combination of living museum to the original Cylon War and an educational center, with her conversion being overseen by her final commander, [[William Adama]] ([[Miniseries]]).

At the time of her formal decommissioning ceremony, ''Galactica'' is stripped of all but one of her operational [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] Mark VII squadrons, her munitions are destroyed, and her starboard landing pod is a pressurized [[Galactica Museum|museum]] which houses (among other things) a full squadron of [[Viper Mark II|Mk. II Vipers]] as well as a Viper model that appears [[Viper (TOS)|older than the Mark II]] (Miniseries, also in Deleted Scenes).

With the renewed and unexpected Cylon hostilities, ''Galactica'' quickly proves her worthiness as a warship is far from over as she sorties several Mark IIs retrieved from her museum to challenge her first Cylon attack in over 40 years (her last Mark VII squadron was sent to Caprica for reassignment). The old battlestar withstands a direct hit from a tactical nuclear missile while unsuccessfully performing evasive maneuvers, but later [[FTL|Jumps]] successfully to [[Ragnar Anchorage]] to retrieve much-needed ammunition stores at this hidden depot.

''Galactica'' finally bares her teeth in this new Cylon war as she single-handedly engages two [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] with her gun batteries, providing covering fire for [[The Fleet (RDM)|an assortment of 75 civilian ships]] containing the last survivors of the Twelve Colonies. All ships, with ''Galactica'' last to leave the engagement zone, escape to a destination past the [[Red Line]], never to return to Colonial space.

Since the exodus of the Colonials from their overrun homeworlds, ''Galactica'' becomes both protector and provider for the Fleet. She provides covering fire for the Fleet during Cylon attacks no fewer than 240 times ([[33]], [[Act of Contrition]]). The battlestar provides much of the Fleet with recycled water ([[Water]]) and she is the primary source of medical care, where groups of civilians are periodically brought aboard for check-ups and treatment ([[Litmus]]). ''Galactica'' also undertakes internal policing duties within the Fleet ([[Water]], [[Bastille Day]]).

''Galactica'' successfully goes on the offensive against the Cylons, capturing a [[tylium]] fuel mining and processing plant in the process ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]).

The [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', commanded by Admiral [[Helena Cain]], joins ''Galactica'' approximately 6 months into their exile (See the series [[Timeline (RDM)|timeline]] for special information about this milestone).

''Pegasus'' and ''Galactica'' destroy two [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] as well as a critical Cylon support ship known as the [[Resurrection Ship]]. After Admiral Cain's death, President [[Laura Roslin]] promotes William Adama to Admiral, restoring him to overall Fleet command, but now with two battlestars at his disposal ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).

===New Caprica===
Following the founding of [[New Caprica]], ''Galactica'' is assigned to the Orbital Defense Force that protects the planet. During this time the majority of its crew are sent to the surface in an effort to populate the planet and restore the human race – including most of its senior officers — seemingly convinced that the Cylons would never find New Caprica. The diminished staff inevitably results in basic maintenance becoming overlooked or ignored. Basic military responses, such as the launching of alert fighers and routine training exercises become difficult to execute. One year following the founding of New Caprica, a fleet of Cylon ships jump into orbit of the planet. Severely limited in its abilities, Admiral Adama and the Defense Fleet jumps away from New Caprica — vowing that they'd return to liberate the planet ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).

===[[Battle of New Caprica]]===
Four months after the escape, ''Galactica'''s staff is still in the process of developing a rescue strategy with 16 training exercises having been completed and a 17th underway when an accident causes its early ending ([[Occupation]]). This forces both a change in strategy and the reformulation of a rescue plan to deal with personnel who have not seen conflict in 16 months. While ''Galactica'' fights to liberate the Colonials on-planet, ''Pegasus'' is assigned to protect the remaining civilian fleet and continue its search for [[Earth]] ("[[Precipice]]", "[[Exodus, Part I]]").

Coordinating with the New Caprica Resistance, ''Galactica'' deploys several waves of Vipers and Raptors to launch an offensive against the Cylons. As the resistance bombs Cylon facilities on the ground, Raptors deploy decoy drones to make it appear as if both ''Galactica'' and ''Pegasus'' jumped into orbit. The Cylons reposition their forces to engage the decoys, while ''Galactica'' jumps into the atmosphere of the planet. ''Galactica'' deploys several squadrons as she falls to the surface, but takes severe damage from the atmospheric entry. Once back in orbit of the planet, the damage is ascertained as the Cylons close in. Close to death, ''Galactica'' survives thanks to the intervention of ''Pegasus''. Her [[FTL|FTL drives]] once again functioning, ''Galactica'' is able to escape from the system and reunites with the fleet, now the sole military vessel again after the destruction of ''Pegasus'' during the battle ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

''Galactica'' from this point forward bears the scars of this battle, significant scorching to the hull and the armour is visible. It has not been directly acknowledged whether this has affected ''Galactica'''s combat abilities or her [[FTL]]. However ''Galactica'' is still able to make combat jumps and hold off a superior Cylon force for a short duration in the [[Battle_of_NCD2539|Battle of NCD2539]] ([[A Measure of Salvation]]).

== Equipment ==
[[Image:BSG-KEW-Turret.jpg|thumb|One of ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> large [[KEW|cannon]] turrets]]
''Galactica'' shares the same overall technical specifications as other original Colonial battlestars of [[Galactica type battlestar|her class]], with the following key differences and qualifications:

===Available Flight Pods===
As part of its decommissioning, ''Galactica's'' port [[flight pod]] was the only one in service. The starboard flight pod was enclosed and pressurized as the [[Galactica Museum|main museum display]] for her pending decommission. It is violently depressurized after a [[Heavy Raider]] crashes into it ([[Scattered]]).

By the time of the exodus from [[New Caprica]], the starboard hangar deck is being used as a temporary [[Camp Oil Slick|housing facility]] for refugees ([[Exodus, Part II]]). The starboard flight pod is apparently brought back to working flight recovery, as Major Lee Adama directs his Raptor boarding team to approach and land in the starboard pod ([[A Measure of Salvation]]).

===Nuclear Warheads===
''Galactica'' had five nuclear warheads as of "[[Bastille Day]]." Commander [[William Adama]] uses one warhead to destroy a Cylon [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]). Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] cannibalizes one to use in his [[Cylon Detector]], which he later gives to [[Gina]], who detonates it aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. This leaves ''Galactica'' with three warheads (It is unknown how many nuclear warheads ''Pegasus'' still had when it encountered ''Galactica'', and they may have pooled their nuclear ordnance stockpiles since then). As of "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]", Galactica has at least seven warheads ([[Missile tubes|launch tubes]] 4 through 10) attached to missiles that can be used for ground assault.

:''The yield of these weapons is unknown. It is likely they are of a "dial a yield" design which is common in real-life nuclear weapons. Because the "physics" of nuclear weapon design is a measureable science, and based on the size of the weapon seen in ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), it is likely the yield of Galactica's weapons are between 5 and 150kt. This is extrapolated from the size of the weapon, compared to a modern day ([[w:W80|W80]])-class nuclear warhead used by the United States.''

===Available spacecraft===

:''For information on the fighter squadrons stationed on ''Galactica'' see: [[Squadrons of Galactica]]''

====Vipers====
Prior to the arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', ''Galactica'' has at maximum thirty-four Vipers, of which at least six are Mark VIIs (c.f. [[Viper tally]]).

''Galactica'' receives additional supplies from ''Pegasus'' since her arrival that helps in repair and refurbishment of her original fighter complement; more recently, she receives new Mark VII Vipers built aboard ''Pegasus'' using raw materials mined from an asteroid and the advanced battlestar's Viper construction facilities ([[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus,]] [[Scar]]).

====Raptors====
The number of [[Raptor|Raptors]] available to ''Galactica'' is portrayed inconsistently. The current assumption is that the battlestar has at least five Raptors, having left [[Ragnar Anchorage]] with at least eight (c.f. [[Raptor tally]]).

====Other Craft====
*''Galactica'' currently posesses two [[Heavy Raider|Heavy Raiders]]. One is hit by ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> defensive fire and crashes into the starboard flight pod with unknown damage ([[Scattered]]). The other returns in operational status from Caprica ([[Home, Part I]]). One of ''Galactica'''s [[Heavy Raider]]s is relieved of its FTL navigation system for use on the rescue mission to [[Caprica]] ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]).
*A second [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Raider]] is in ''Galactica's'' possession after [[Daniel Novacek]]'s "escape" from a basestar ([[Hero]]), replacing the one retrieved by [[Kara Thrace]] and lost during the quest for the [[Arrow of Apollo]] ([[Scattered]]).
*An experimental stealth fighter, the [[Blackbird]], is constructed using spare parts ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]) and used in a critically successful reconnaissance mission to explore the nature of what comes to be known as the [[Resurrection Ship]]. The Blackbird is later destroyed after completing her last mission during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).
*''Galactica'' possesses fuel tankers used to supply fuel to Vipers and Raptors inflight without the need to dock with the ship. These may be dedicated craft or specially fitted shuttles or Raptors ([[Occupation]]).

== Crew ==
Before the attack, ''Galactica'' has approximately 2,800 crewmen, while awaiting its decommissioning. By the time of the arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', attrition has reduced this number to about 2,660. (c.f. [[Crew tally]])
*Between "[[Act of Contrition]]" and "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]" ''Galactica's'' offensive capability is also greatly hampered by the number of [[List of Pilots|qualified pilots]] available, and their lack of flight simulators with which to train more. Since ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> reunion with ''Pegasus'', this has ceased to be an issue ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Mini gal side viper.jpg|right|thumb|A stricken and slowly spinning ''Galactica'' after a nuclear missile strike. [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck's]] [[Viper Mark II|Viper]] closes in to survey.]]

====Senior Staff ====

===== CIC =====

*Admiral [[William Adama]] - Commanding Officer
*Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] - [[Executive Officer]]
*Captain [[Karl Agathon]]
*Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] - [[Tactical officer]], Senior Officer of the Watch
*Lieutenant [[Hoshi]] - [[Communications Officer]]
*Lieutenant [[Anastasia Dualla]]

===== Air Group =====

*Major [[Lee Adama]] - CAG ([[CAG|Commander, Air Group]])
*Captain [[Kara Thrace]]
*Lieutenant [[Margaret Edmondson]]
*Lieutenant [[Sharon Agathon]]

===== Support =====

*Major [[Cottle]] - [[Chief Medical Officer]]
*Captain Aaron Kelly - [[Landing Signal Officer]], Second Officer
*Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]] - Chief of the Deck
*Gunnery Sergeant [[Erin Mathias]] - Senior [[Marine]] NCO

==Related Imagery==
<gallery>
Image:Galactica Ortho copy.jpg|''Galactica'' - Rendering by [[Zoic]]    
Image:BSG Ortho Bottom.jpg|''Galactica'' - Rendering by [[Zoic]]    
Image:Pointdefence2 101 1080i.jpg|''Galactica's'' point defence batteries in action    
</gallery>

{{Ships}}

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

[[es:Galactica (RDM)]]
[[de:Galactica (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Mercury class battlestar

2007-01-14T20:26:56Z

Zackl199:

:''For the unnamed original class, to which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' belongs, see [[Galactica type battlestar]].''
{{Ship Data|
image= BSPegasus.jpg
| title= ''Mercury'' class battlestar
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Unknown (at least 2,450)
| role= Capital battleship/carrier
| weapons= Primary and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, Vipers, Raptors
| status= Final known ship of this class destroyed at the [[Battle of New Caprica]]
}}

The '''''Mercury'' class battlestar''' is an advanced Colonial capital warship/carrier introduced into the [[Colonial Fleet]] sometime after the First [[Cylon War]].

==Overview==
Following the end of the [[Cylon War]], the [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestars]] remained in service as other battlestars were built. Their numbers steadily increased to a grand total of 120 ships in the Colonial Fleet. New models employed technologies, such as networked computers, which had been prohibited during the war ([[Miniseries]]).

A ''Mercury'' class battlestar sports several features not found aboard ''Galactica'' such as automated sliding doorways and basic computer recognition stations at vital areas. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], a ''Mercury'' class battlestar was a top-of-the-line vessel.

The physical appearance of the ''Mercury'' class is different than that of the original battlestar. The "neck" section is smaller, and the ''Mercury'' class is equipped with eight [[sublight]] engine pods, compared the older class's six. These are also more "boxy" in appearance than those of the original. The [[flight pod]]s also appear to have two entrances each, above and below the mid-line. Combined with computer assisted landing, this gives the ''Mercury'' class a faster rate of Viper recovery than ''[[Galactica]]''. Unlike ''Galactica'', ''Pegasus'' appears to have a full armor "skin", but in ''Galactica's'' case this may have been deliberately removed prior to its scheduled decommissioning.

This, probably the largest of the battlestars, may be able to carry a maximum of 180 [[Viper Mark VII]] fighters (six to eight squadrons and one reserve squadron)<ref>Intelligence Debrief: Cylon Basestar, "Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine," June/July 2006, page 56.</ref>.

The gun batteries on the ''Mercury'' class are arranged very differently from ''Galactica's''. Where as ''Galactica's'' large guns are clustered along her top side, with secondary batteries concentrated along the flight pods, the guns of the ''Mercury'' class are found all over the ship ([[The Captain's Hand]]). The greatest concentration of large turrets are found along the side of the ship, within the valley created by the upper and lower halves of the hull, including the flight pods. Four are mounted on the underside of the upper hull on the ship's bow, below which sits four non-turreted large guns; these form the main forward batteries. Two more turrets are mounted on the front and back of each flight pod. The ''Mercury'' class's secondary guns are distributed all over the ship and do not clearly emerge from the hull like ''Galactica's''.

[[Image:Pegasus01.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' from fore and below, with the Fleet in the background]] [[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_1a.jpg|right|thumb|[[Viper (RDM)|Mark VII Vipers]] landing in ''Pegasus''' port flight pod]]
[[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_5a.jpg|right|thumb|Some of ''Pegasus''' [[Kinetic Energy Weapon|batteries]]]]
[[Image:Pegasus-Comparison.png|right|thumb|Comparison of [[Battlestar (TOS)|original series battlestar]] and ''Mercury'' class]]

Based on figures from the episode "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", the standard crew complement of a ''Mercury'' class battlestar is in excess of 2,500.

In addition to having better armament and weapons than ''[[Galactica]]'', the ''Mercury'' class battlestar has production facilities to build new [[Viper (RDM)|Viper Mark VIIs]] from basic resources ([[Scar]]).

Unlike ''Galactica'', which must retract her flight pods to execute a [[FTL|jump]], the ''Mercury'' class battlestar's flight pods are fixed in place and do not retract during a jump ([[The Captain's Hand]]). This suggests that a ''Mercury'' class battlestar's jump system is more advanced than the older battlestar.

== Known ''Mercury'' class battlestars ==
*Battlestar ''[[Mercury]]'' (for which it is presumed the class is named)
*Battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''

== Notes ==
The shape of the ''Mercury'' class resembles the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] more than the Re-imagined Series' ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. Its engine pods number eight, compared to ''Galactica'''s six engine pods. The pods aboard the ''Mercury'' class battlestar appear more directly integrated with its rear section, and its flight pods share the original angular shape.

The visual effects artist of the re-imagined ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', Jose A. Perez, has commented that, "The new design was somewhat of a cross between the look of the [[TOS|old class]] [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestars]], and yet with elements of the [[Galactica (RDM)|new one]]. Aside from that, it has mostly hull plating (to absorb more damage) , as opposed to the ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' which has more ribbing."
Mr. Perez also commented that, "The harder edges [ of the [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']] ] were intentional as well, to match the interior style of the sets more."

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{sourcebox|Correspondence with Jose Perez}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Battlestars|*]]
[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Ships (RDM)]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[es:Battlestar clase Mercury]]