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Mercury class battlestar: Difference between revisions

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:''For the unnamed original class, to which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' belongs, see [[Galactica type battlestar]].''
{{disline|For the unnamed original class, to which ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]'' belongs, see [[Galactica type battlestar|''Galactica'' type battlestar]].}}
{{Ship Data|
{{Ship Data|
  image= BSPegasus.jpg
|image= Pegasus High Res.jpg
| title= ''Mercury'' class battlestar
| title= ''Mercury'' class battlestar
| race= Colonial
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Unknown approx 2500 (Full crew)
| propol = * 8x sublight engines <br /> * Maneuvering thrusters
| role= Capital battleship/carrier
| crew= Approx. 2,500
| weapons= 34 Primary [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]] (30 twin turrets, 4 fixed twin mounts) and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, Vipers, Raptors
| length={{Feet2Meters|5872}}<ref>[http://darthmojo.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/how-big-was-the-colony/#comment-2193 Blog comment] by [[Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz]].</ref>
| length= {{Feet2Meters|5872}}<ref>[http://darthmojo.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/how-big-was-the-colony/#comment-2193 Blog comment] by [[Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz]].</ref>
| role= Carrier / Battleship
| status= Final known ship of this class destroyed at the [[Battle of New Caprica]]
| arm= * 34x [[KEW|primary batteries ]] (30x twin turrets, 4x fixed twin mounts) <br /> * Numerous [[KEW|point-defense cannons]] <br /> * [[missile tubes|Missile tubes]]
| def= * Electronic countermeasures <br /> * Flak
| aircraft= * Full Viper Mk. VII compliment <br /> * Full Raptor compliment
| facilities= * 2x flight pods <br /> * 4x flight decks <br /> * 80x Viper launch tubes <br /> * 2x Raptor launch tubes <br />  * Viper construction facilities
}}
}}


The '''''Mercury'' class battlestar''' is an advanced Colonial capital warship/carrier introduced into the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] sometime after the First [[Cylon War]].  
'''''Mercury'' class battlestars''' are advanced Colonial capital warships/carriers of the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]], top-of-the-line vessels at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]].


==Overview==
==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. Newer models employed networked computers which had been prohibited during the war. Being networked (and compromised by the [[Command Navigation Program]]) allows the Cylons to hack the computer systems, disable them with electronic attacks, and render the ships defenseless ([[Miniseries]]).
Apparently introduced some years after the First [[Cylon War]], the ''Mercury'' class was designed to replace the aging ''Galactica'' type battlestars. It featured newer technologies, more automation, and could carry more Viper and Raptor support ships than its older predecessors. Despite the increase in capabilities, the Colonials seem to have more interest in producing the smaller ''Valkyrie'' types over the ''Mercury'' class, relegating the Mercury to a flagship/command role.  


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.
==Layout==


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. Unlike ''Galactica'' type battlestars, the ''Mercury'' class has a full armor "skin." Each [[flight pod]] consists of two stacked landing bays with adjoined decks and hangars. Combined with computer assisted landing, this gives the class a faster rate of Viper recovery than previous battlestars.
Generally speaking, this class compares to the older ''Galactica'' type battlestars in terms of overall specifications.


This, probably the largest of the battlestars, may be able to carry a maximum of 50 Raptors and 200 [[Viper Mark VII]] fighters (8 squadrons and two reserve squadrons color coded blue, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, and reserve squadrons gold and silver) <ref>Intelligence Debrief: Cylon Basestar, "Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine," June/July 2006, page 56.</ref>.
===Main hull===


The [[Battery|gun batteries]] on the ''Mercury'' class are arranged very differently from ''Galactica's''. Whereas the ''Galactica's'' type battlestars' twenty-four large guns are clustered along the dorsal and ventral sides, 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. Six turrets are mounted on each underside of the alligator head, grouped in pairs. There are also three turrets on the side of each flight pod along two more turrets are mounted on the front and back of each flight pod. This amounts to a total of thirty-four main gun batteries, ten more than the ''Galactica'' type Battlestar. In addition, the turreted guns of the ''Mercury'' class have a higher rate of fire than ''Galactica's'' turreted guns when operating in flak mode, as evidenced by the skirmish with the [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon War-era Raiders]] in [[Razor]].
* '''The fore section''': Also known as the "alligator head," contains much of the living -and crew areas, including the [[CIC]].  


[[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's'' port flight pod]]
* '''The mid section''': Contains the main flight decks, and aircraft service areas.
[[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_5a.jpg|right|thumb|Some of ''Pegasus's'' [[Kinetic Energy Weapon|batteries]]]]
 
[[Image:Pegasus-Comparison.png|right|thumb|Comparison of [[Battlestar (TOS)|original series battlestar]] and ''Mercury'' class]]
*'''The stern section''': Contains the ship's engine pods, FTL drives, and engineering facilities needed to maintain the ship's propulsion.
 
===Flight pods===
 
:''Main article: [[Flight pod]]''
 
The ''Mercury'' class sports four flight pods of a newer and more advanced design. Two dorsal, and two ventral pods, with advanced gravity systems keeping them in sync. Vipers and Raptors are able to land both "right side up" and "upside down" in relation to the ship. The dual pods allow for greater Viper recovery during combat. The ships' hangar deck and launch tubes are located in between the "right side up," and "upside down" flight decks, and feature the same layout and design as seen on the older ''Galactica'' type battlestars. Despite advancements, these pods are still able to launch older Vipers, such as the Mk. II's. The Mercury-class also possesses Raptor launch tubes alongside its Viper launch tubes, enabling faster launch of scout craft compared to older battlestars.
 
The pods are also kept stationary and do not retract into the hull, allowing these vessels to jump out of a battle zone faster than their older counterparts {{TRS|The Captain's Hand}}.
 
===Orthographics===
<gallery perrow=5>
Image:Mercury Fore.jpg
Image:Mercury Aft.jpg
Image:Mercury Side.jpg
Image:Mercury Top.jpg
</gallery>
 
==Specifications==
 
===Propulsion===
 
:''Main article: [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series]]''
 
''Mercury'' class ships are equipped with 8 sublight engines attached to the outer hull, and group into clusters of four along the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the ship. These ships also feature maneuvering thrusters placed at key points on the ship, including two main thrusters on the forward section of the alligator head.
 
===Computer systems===
 
:''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]''
 
Unlike their older counterparts, the ''Mercury'' class features advanced computer systems, including the [[Command Navigation Program]] developed by computer scientist Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]. Designed to assist in advanced navigation techniques, the program was uploaded to all ships of this class sometime before the Fall of The Colonies. During the attacks, the Cylons were able to gain command privileges over the battlestar's functions and shut them down through a backdoor placed in this program.
 
===Armament===
[[Image:PegasusForeBatteries.jpg|thumb|right|''Pegasus'' firing its main battery {{TRS|The Captain's Hand}}.]]
[[Image:Pegaus taking a beating.jpg|thumb|right|The flak field from ''Pegasus''{{'|s}} batteries {{TRS|Exodus, Part II}}.]]  
 
:''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]''
 
*34 automated antiship [[Battery|gun turrets]] (mounting 2 guns apiece).
:[[Battery|Gun batteries]] on the ''Mercury'' class are distributed all over the ship {{TRS|The Captain's Hand}}, with the greatest concentration of large turrets found along the side of the ship, within the valley created by the upper and lower halves of the hull, and along 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. Six turrets are mounted on each underside of the alligator head, grouped in pairs. There are also three turrets on the side of each flight pod, and two more turrets are mounted on the front and back of each flight pod. This amounts to a total of thirty-four main gun batteries. The turreted guns of the ''Mercury'' class have a higher rate of fire than ''Galactica''{{'|s}} main guns when operating in flak mode, as demonstrated during a skirmish with [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon War-era raiders]] {{TRS|Razor}}. However, unlike Galactica, the Mercury class possesses no dorsal or ventral batteries, requiring it to angle its broadsides to the enemy in order to maximize the use of its firepower.
 
*Numerous smaller point-defense turrets, located in between hull plates.


Based on figures from the episodes "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and "[[Razor]]", the standard crew complement of a ''Mercury'' class battlestar is in excess of 2,500, which is significantly lower than found on a ''Galactica'' type battlestar. Despite being larger in size than its preceding ship class, this level of crew appears to make operating battlestars of this class manageable, due to heavy [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series|computer]] automation.
*Numerous missile tubes.


The ''Mercury'' class battlestar has production facilities to build new [[Viper (RDM)|Viper Mark VIIs]] from basic resources ([[Scar]]).
*Electronic Counter-Measure (ECM) defense systems {{TRS|Resurrection Ship, Part II}}


Unlike ''Galactica'' type battlestar, which must retract their flight pods to execute an [[FTL| FTL jump]], the ''Mercury'' class' flight pods are fixed in place and do not retract during a jump ([[The Captain's Hand]]). This suggests that its jump system is more advanced than the older battlestars's.
*Numerous [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters.
:An example of this class, ''Pegasus'', carries a complement of 50 Raptors and 200 [[Viper Mark VII]] fighters (8 squadrons and two reserve squadrons color coded blue, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, and reserve squadrons gold and silver) <ref>Intelligence Debrief: Cylon Basestar, "Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine," June/July 2006, page 56.</ref>.
:The ''Mercury'' class battlestar has production facilities to build new [[Viper (RDM)|Viper Mark VIIs]] from basic resources {{TRS|Scar}}.


== Known ''Mercury'' class battlestars ==
*Numerous [[Raptor]] multi-role vehicles.
*Battlestar ''[[Mercury]]'' (for which it is presumed the class is named)
*Battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''


== Notes ==
===Crew===
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 standard crew complement of a ''Mercury'' class battlestar is in excess of 2,500 ([[TRS]]: "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]," "[[Razor]]"). Advancement in Colonial technology have made many positions manned on older vessels (such as gun batteries) automated, increasing response time and efficiency (though said batteries can be manually operated in the event of systems failure). ''Mercury'' class ships may be bigger than these older vessels, but they only need half the crew to operate then ''Galactica'' type battlestars during the First Cylon War.  


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."
{{clear}}
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."
== Ships In Class ==
{|class="messagebox sortable" style="width:100%" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" align="center"
|- class="infoboxheader"
! Name                                            !! Number                      !! Status  !! Last Seen
|-
| ''[[Pegasus (TRS)|Pegasus]]'' || 62 (BSG 62) || Destroyed, [[Battle of New Caprica]], YR03 (3 ACH) || (TRS): "[[Exodus, Part II]]".
|}
 
== Notes ==
[[Image:Pegasus-Comparison.png|right|thumb|Comparison of [[Battlestar (TOS)|original series battlestar]] and ''Mercury'' class]]
The shape of the ''Mercury'' class resembles the {{TOS|Battlestar Galactica|Original Series}} [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] closer than the Re-imagined Series' ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]''. It has eight engine pods, compared to ''Galactica'''s six. 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|original-series]] [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestars]], and yet with elements of the [[Galactica (TRS)|new one]]. Aside from that, it has mostly hull plating (to absorb more damage), as opposed to the ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]'' which shows more ribbing."
Mr. Perez also commented that, "The harder edges (of the ''{{RDM|Pegasus}}'') were intentional as well, to match the interior style of the sets more."


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


{{sourcebox|Correspondence with Jose Perez}}
{{sourcebox|Correspondence with Jose Perez}}
{{Ships}}


[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:A to Z]]
Line 60: Line 119:


[[de:Mercury-Klasse]]
[[de:Mercury-Klasse]]
[[es:Battlestar clase Mercury]]

Latest revision as of 04:10, 22 February 2024


Mercury class battlestar
Mercury class battlestar
Race: Colonial
Type: Military
FTL: Yes
Propulsion: * 8x sublight engines
* Maneuvering thrusters
Crew: Approx. 2,500
Capacity:
CO: {{{co}}}
XO: {{{xo}}}
Role: Carrier / Battleship
Weapons: {{{weapons}}}
Armaments: * 34x primary batteries (30x twin turrets, 4x fixed twin mounts)
* Numerous point-defense cannons
* Missile tubes
Defenses: * Electronic countermeasures
* Flak
Aircraft: * Full Viper Mk. VII compliment
* Full Raptor compliment
Aviation facilities: * 2x flight pods
* 4x flight decks
* 80x Viper launch tubes
* 2x Raptor launch tubes
* Viper construction facilities
Fate: {{{status}}}
Emblem: [[Image:{{{patch}}}|175px|Ship's patch]]
Other Images: Gallery
Dimensions
Length: 5872 feet (1789.8m)[1]
Width: {{{width}}}
Height: {{{height}}}
Weight: {{{weight}}}
Wingspan: {{{wingspan}}}
Other: {{{otherdi}}}
Game Information
Cost: {{{construction}}}
Construction Time: {{{construction}}}
Hull Size: {{{hull size}}}
Hull: {{{hull}}}
Mobility
FTL Cooldown: {{{ftl cooldown}}} turns
Speed: {{{speed}}} m/s
Turn Rate: {{{turn rate}}}°/turn
Armor Sum
Armor Total: {{{armor total}}}
Armor Left: {{{armor left}}}
Armor Right: {{{armor right}}}
Armor Front: {{{armor front}}}
Armor Rear: {{{armor rear}}}
Armor Top: {{{armor top}}}
Armor Bottom: {{{armor bottom}}}
Armament
DRADIS Range: {{{dradis range}}} m
Processing Power: {{{processing power}}}
Munition Slots: {{{munitions}}}
Munition Cooldown Period: {{{munition cooldown}}} turns
Squadron Slots: {{{squadrons}}}
Squadron Size: {{{squadron size}}}
Special Abilities: {{{special abilities}}}
Additional Information


Mercury class battlestars are advanced Colonial capital warships/carriers of the Colonial Fleet, top-of-the-line vessels at the time of the Fall of the Twelve Colonies.

Overview[edit]

Apparently introduced some years after the First Cylon War, the Mercury class was designed to replace the aging Galactica type battlestars. It featured newer technologies, more automation, and could carry more Viper and Raptor support ships than its older predecessors. Despite the increase in capabilities, the Colonials seem to have more interest in producing the smaller Valkyrie types over the Mercury class, relegating the Mercury to a flagship/command role.

Layout[edit]

Generally speaking, this class compares to the older Galactica type battlestars in terms of overall specifications.

Main hull[edit]

  • The fore section: Also known as the "alligator head," contains much of the living -and crew areas, including the CIC.
  • The mid section: Contains the main flight decks, and aircraft service areas.
  • The stern section: Contains the ship's engine pods, FTL drives, and engineering facilities needed to maintain the ship's propulsion.

Flight pods[edit]

Main article: Flight pod

The Mercury class sports four flight pods of a newer and more advanced design. Two dorsal, and two ventral pods, with advanced gravity systems keeping them in sync. Vipers and Raptors are able to land both "right side up" and "upside down" in relation to the ship. The dual pods allow for greater Viper recovery during combat. The ships' hangar deck and launch tubes are located in between the "right side up," and "upside down" flight decks, and feature the same layout and design as seen on the older Galactica type battlestars. Despite advancements, these pods are still able to launch older Vipers, such as the Mk. II's. The Mercury-class also possesses Raptor launch tubes alongside its Viper launch tubes, enabling faster launch of scout craft compared to older battlestars.

The pods are also kept stationary and do not retract into the hull, allowing these vessels to jump out of a battle zone faster than their older counterparts (TRS: "The Captain's Hand").

Orthographics[edit]

Specifications[edit]

Propulsion[edit]

Main article: Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series

Mercury class ships are equipped with 8 sublight engines attached to the outer hull, and group into clusters of four along the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the ship. These ships also feature maneuvering thrusters placed at key points on the ship, including two main thrusters on the forward section of the alligator head.

Computer systems[edit]

Main article: Computers in the Re-imagined Series

Unlike their older counterparts, the Mercury class features advanced computer systems, including the Command Navigation Program developed by computer scientist Dr. Gaius Baltar. Designed to assist in advanced navigation techniques, the program was uploaded to all ships of this class sometime before the Fall of The Colonies. During the attacks, the Cylons were able to gain command privileges over the battlestar's functions and shut them down through a backdoor placed in this program.

Armament[edit]

Pegasus firing its main battery (TRS: "The Captain's Hand").
The flak field from Pegasus's batteries (TRS: "Exodus, Part II").
Main article: Weapons in the Re-imagined Series
  • 34 automated antiship gun turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece).
Gun batteries on the Mercury class are distributed all over the ship (TRS: "The Captain's Hand"), with the greatest concentration of large turrets found along the side of the ship, within the valley created by the upper and lower halves of the hull, and along 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. Six turrets are mounted on each underside of the alligator head, grouped in pairs. There are also three turrets on the side of each flight pod, and two more turrets are mounted on the front and back of each flight pod. This amounts to a total of thirty-four main gun batteries. The turreted guns of the Mercury class have a higher rate of fire than Galactica's main guns when operating in flak mode, as demonstrated during a skirmish with Cylon War-era raiders (TRS: "Razor"). However, unlike Galactica, the Mercury class possesses no dorsal or ventral batteries, requiring it to angle its broadsides to the enemy in order to maximize the use of its firepower.
  • Numerous smaller point-defense turrets, located in between hull plates.
  • Numerous missile tubes.
  • Numerous Viper space superiority fighters.
An example of this class, Pegasus, carries a complement of 50 Raptors and 200 Viper Mark VII fighters (8 squadrons and two reserve squadrons color coded blue, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, and reserve squadrons gold and silver) [2].
The Mercury class battlestar has production facilities to build new Viper Mark VIIs from basic resources (TRS: "Scar").
  • Numerous Raptor multi-role vehicles.

Crew[edit]

The standard crew complement of a Mercury class battlestar is in excess of 2,500 (TRS: "Pegasus," "Razor"). Advancement in Colonial technology have made many positions manned on older vessels (such as gun batteries) automated, increasing response time and efficiency (though said batteries can be manually operated in the event of systems failure). Mercury class ships may be bigger than these older vessels, but they only need half the crew to operate then Galactica type battlestars during the First Cylon War.

Ships In Class[edit]

Name Number Status Last Seen
Pegasus 62 (BSG 62) Destroyed, Battle of New Caprica, YR03 (3 ACH) (TRS): "Exodus, Part II".

Notes[edit]

Comparison of original series battlestar and Mercury class

The shape of the Mercury class resembles the Original Series battlestar closer than the Re-imagined Series' Galactica. It has eight engine pods, compared to Galactica's six. 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, Jose A. Perez, has commented that, "The new design was somewhat of a cross between the look of the original-series battlestars, and yet with elements of the new one. Aside from that, it has mostly hull plating (to absorb more damage), as opposed to the Galactica which shows more ribbing." Mr. Perez also commented that, "The harder edges (of the Pegasus) were intentional as well, to match the interior style of the sets more."

References[edit]

  1. Blog comment by Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz.
  2. Intelligence Debrief: Cylon Basestar, "Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine," June/July 2006, page 56.
Sources for this page may be located at: