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David Eick's video blog clearly says that the Blackbird is not a modified Viper at all. |
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[[image:Blackbird.JPG|thumb|right|250px|"Blackbird Commissioning" (C. Sci-Fi Channel)]] | [[image:Blackbird.JPG|thumb|right|250px|"Blackbird Commissioning" (C. Sci-Fi Channel)]] | ||
The '''Blackbird''' is a prototype [[Colonial]] fighter craft constructed by [[Galen Tyrol]], his deck crews, and other members of ''[[Galactica]]''. This craft was meant to supplement the [[Viper]], given the issues in maintaining the remaining craft aboard the [[battlestar]]. Chief Tyrol had originally intended just to build a standard Viper, but ended up building a ship that was of more value to the Galactica than if he had built another Viper. | The '''Blackbird''' is a prototype [[Colonial]] stealth fighter craft constructed by [[Galen Tyrol]], his deck crews, and other members of ''[[Galactica]]''. This craft was meant to supplement the [[Viper]], given the issues in maintaining the remaining craft aboard the [[battlestar]]. Chief Tyrol had originally intended just to build a standard Viper, but ended up building a ship that was of more value to the Galactica than if he had built another Viper. | ||
It is designed to use the Viper [[Launch tubes|launch tube]]s, and therefore shares the same general shape. It is built more for speed than for maneuverability. If it is armed, it likely fires the same ammunition as typical Vipers, though this has not yet been demonstrated. | It is designed to use the Viper [[Launch tubes|launch tube]]s, and therefore shares the same general shape. It is built more for speed than for maneuverability. If it is armed, it likely fires the same ammunition as typical Vipers, though this has not yet been demonstrated. | ||
It does not use metal for its skin since this metal was reserved for Viper repairs. Instead, on [[Karl Agathon]]'s suggestion, the Blackbird uses a carbon composite material, which makes it largely invisible to [[DRADIS]] scanning | It does not use metal for its skin since this metal was reserved for Viper repairs. Instead, on [[Karl Agathon]]'s suggestion, the Blackbird uses a carbon composite material, which makes it largely invisible to [[DRADIS]] scanning. | ||
The Blackbird is powered by obsolete [[DDG-62]] engines that came from the flight deck of a Colonial fleet ship named the ''[[Boppa Kala]]''. One must speculate that since a typical Viper's engines are vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles ([[Mini-Series]]), these must be as well. This would compromise its stealth features during powered flight. (This is less of a disadvantage in space than in atmospheric flight; a spacecraft's inertia is not affected by gravity, friction, and other factors an atmospheric-bound craft would be, and thus can fly indefinitely without firing its engines.) | The Blackbird is powered by obsolete [[DDG-62]] engines that came from the flight deck of a Colonial fleet ship named the ''[[Boppa Kala]]''. One must speculate that since a typical Viper's engines are vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles ([[Mini-Series]]), these must be as well. This would compromise its stealth features during powered flight. (This is less of a disadvantage in space than in atmospheric flight; a spacecraft's inertia is not affected by gravity, friction, and other factors an atmospheric-bound craft would be, and thus can fly indefinitely without firing its engines.) | ||
The first prototype was dubbed "''Laura''", in honor of President [[Laura Roslin]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was piloted for the first time by [[Kara Thrace]]. | The first prototype was dubbed "''Laura''", in honor of President [[Laura Roslin]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was piloted for the first time by [[Kara Thrace]]. | ||
==Notes== | |||
*Carbon composites are a family of materials used in lightweight or high-temperature-resistant construction, of which a type is used in the nose and leading edges of the wings of NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter. Carbon composites are somewhat fragile, so impacts (even one from a champagne bottle, which Laura Roslin jokingly attempted to do as she christened the ship) may cause the material to splinter or break. | |||
*Executive Producer David Eick stated in his video blog that the Blackbird is "not a Viper", so it is not classes as a modified Viper model ("Viper Mark VIII", etc), but is an entirely distinct craft. | |||
[[Category: A to Z]] [[Category: Colonial Craft]] [[Category: RDM]] | [[Category: A to Z]] [[Category: Colonial Craft]] [[Category: RDM]] | ||
Revision as of 23:02, 19 September 2005
The Blackbird is a prototype Colonial stealth fighter craft constructed by Galen Tyrol, his deck crews, and other members of Galactica. This craft was meant to supplement the Viper, given the issues in maintaining the remaining craft aboard the battlestar. Chief Tyrol had originally intended just to build a standard Viper, but ended up building a ship that was of more value to the Galactica than if he had built another Viper.
It is designed to use the Viper launch tubes, and therefore shares the same general shape. It is built more for speed than for maneuverability. If it is armed, it likely fires the same ammunition as typical Vipers, though this has not yet been demonstrated.
It does not use metal for its skin since this metal was reserved for Viper repairs. Instead, on Karl Agathon's suggestion, the Blackbird uses a carbon composite material, which makes it largely invisible to DRADIS scanning.
The Blackbird is powered by obsolete DDG-62 engines that came from the flight deck of a Colonial fleet ship named the Boppa Kala. One must speculate that since a typical Viper's engines are vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles (Mini-Series), these must be as well. This would compromise its stealth features during powered flight. (This is less of a disadvantage in space than in atmospheric flight; a spacecraft's inertia is not affected by gravity, friction, and other factors an atmospheric-bound craft would be, and thus can fly indefinitely without firing its engines.)
The first prototype was dubbed "Laura", in honor of President Laura Roslin (Flight of the Phoenix). It was piloted for the first time by Kara Thrace.
Notes
- Carbon composites are a family of materials used in lightweight or high-temperature-resistant construction, of which a type is used in the nose and leading edges of the wings of NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter. Carbon composites are somewhat fragile, so impacts (even one from a champagne bottle, which Laura Roslin jokingly attempted to do as she christened the ship) may cause the material to splinter or break.
- Executive Producer David Eick stated in his video blog that the Blackbird is "not a Viper", so it is not classes as a modified Viper model ("Viper Mark VIII", etc), but is an entirely distinct craft.