Scarlet-class Viper

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch continuation separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

An actual model of the Scarlet Viper built by Steve Parady.

The Scarlet Viper, also known as the Scarlet-class Viper, is an advanced Colonial Viper introduced in 7360. Built aboard the forge ship Hephaestus, the Scarlet Viper represents a significant technological advancement over both the original Viper design and the intermediate Azure-class Viper.

Design and Development

Following the Fleet's discovery of a rich planetoid in 7352, the Colonials gained access to mineral resources needed to build new Vipers and repair existing ships. An old freighter was retrofitted and re-christened Hephaestus, becoming one of the Fleet's most valued ships. Most older Vipers were laboriously rebuilt using a new pulsar system that burned cleaner tylium samples, reducing the risk of solium leaks.

More than forty Azure-class Vipers were built before the new Scarlet-class model was developed, with the first Scarlet Viper presented to Lieutenant Commander Apollo. A second was earmarked for Captain Starbuck, who rejected the new ship in favor of his older Viper.

At least four additional Scarlet Vipers were in the process of being completed prior to a seditionist bombing that derailed their production.

Technical Specifications

Propulsion

The Scarlet Viper is equipped with triple pulsar engines that produce blue-white tylium flame. Unlike earlier Viper classes, the Scarlet-class includes a hover mode capability, allowing for delicate maneuvering and stationary positioning in space or atmosphere.

Weapons and Defenses

The Scarlet Viper is armed with turbolasers that can be recalibrated for full power and beam width via voice command. The starfighter is equipped with energy shields capable of deflecting tangential laser blasts, though direct hits can penetrate the shields and damage the Viper.

Avionics and Systems

The Scarlet Viper features several advanced systems:

• Scanner Technology: Creates a "laser-constructed three-dimensional image" of destinations, displayed via holo-scanner that can show the ship's status and damage in real-time.
• Voice-Activated Computer: Recognizes voice input for commands, likely a successor to C.O.R.A.
• Helm Interface: The pilot's helm provides an info-scroll with sensor readings, scanner reports, tactical suggestions, and system warnings.
• Improved Systems: Enhanced weapons, navigation, and targeting systems compared to earlier models.

Performance

The Scarlet-class Viper demonstrates superior maneuverability, capable of achieving one hundred-eighty degree tilts and executing precise combat maneuvers at high speeds. The fighter's triple-pulsar configuration provides exceptional acceleration.

Operational History

Initial Deployment

Apollo receives the first Scarlet Viper in 7360 and uses it for reconnaissance missions, including a fateful journey to the planet Ochoa where he searches for the missing Starbuck. During this mission, Apollo encounters new Cylon dark Raiders equipped with quantum shift effect (QSE) technology, which penetrate his Viper's shields and damage the pulsar and gyro-capacitor systems.

Battle Engagements

Apollo's Scarlet Viper sees extensive combat during the crisis in 7360, including:

• Combat against QSE-equipped Cylon dark Raiders.
• A daring infiltration of a Cylon basestar using the Viper's hover mode capability.
• Multiple engagements during the Battle for the Fleet, where Apollo and Starbuck coordinate attacks using their respective fighters.

Notable Incident

In a climactic moment during the Battle for the Fleet, Apollo appears to sacrifice himself by flying his Scarlet Viper on a collision course with a Cylon basestar's vulnerable core column. The resulting explosion destroys most of the basestar. However, Apollo reveals he had remote-slaved the Viper's systems and packed it with solonite, piloting it remotely while flying a captured Cylon Raider.

Behind the Scenes

In creating his mock trailer for his continuation project, Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, Original Series actor Richard Hatch created an upgraded Viper for the project. CGI artist Steve Parady met with Hatch, who was pleased by the conceptual drawing that Parady created. The design for the fighter was inspired by the X-29 test fighter's swept forward wings. The design was seen in the completed mock trailer.

External Links

• Interview with Steve Parady from BattlestarGalactica.com, which includes captures of the Scarlet Viper from the trailer.