:''This article discusses the two Viper-class fighters seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. For information on the Viper used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] and in [[Galactica 1980]], see [[Viper (TOS)]].''
:''This article discusses the two Viper-class fighters seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. Detailed information for each fighter can also be found in [[Viper Mark II]] and [[Viper Mark VII]]. For information on the Viper used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] and in [[Galactica 1980]], see [[Viper (TOS)]].''
{{Ship Data
The '''Viper''' is the [[Colonial Fleet]]'s primary space superiority fighter / attack craft.
| image= Bsg-viper-1.jpg
| title= Viper Mk. II
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= No
| crew= 1 pilot
| role= Space superiority fighter
| weapons= 2 [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], missiles
| status= Obsolete / In current Colonial service
| length= 8.4082 meters
| height= 2.7247 meters{{ref|inflight}}
| wingspan= 4.7168 meters
}}
The '''Viper''' is the [[Colonial Fleet]]'s primary space superiority fighter / attack craft. Capable of atmospheric flight, the Viper is a single-seat craft mounting two kinetic energy weapons ([[KEW]]s), as well as having hardpoints beneath the wings for mounting missiles, munitions pods and other ordnance ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]).
[[Image:Bsg-viper-1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Mark II Viper.]]
[[Image:BSG-Mark-VII.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The advanced Mark VII Viper.]]
The Viper was originally introduced into Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the [[Cylon War]]. After the war, newer models, such as the Mark VII, replaced the Mark II.
The Viper was originally introduced into Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the [[Cylon War]]. However, it was the Mark II variant, designed specifically for use with the new Colonial [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]] that is best remembered.
The Mark II served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, but was subsequently superseded by newer models. At the time of the renewed Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies, the Mark VII was the front-line variant of the Viper design.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
The Mark II served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, proving a capable fighting vehicle that won renown across the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] and is regarded as one of the reasons the Colonials did not suffer defeat at the hands of the Cylons.
=== Atmospheric Operations ===
The Mark II remained in service after the end of the war, but was subsequently superseded by newer models. At the time of the renewed Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies, the Mark VII was the front-line variant of the Viper design, retaining the Mark II general layout but using fully networked systems providing superior battle management and fight information for the pilot.
{{Ship Data
| image= BSG-Mark-VII.jpg
| title= Viper Mk. VII
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= No
| crew= 1 pilot
| role= Space superiority fighter
| weapons= 3 [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], missiles
Ironically, it was the incorporation of the new integrated systems that prevented the majority of Mark VIIs from being effective during the Cylon attack: as with the majority of Colonial Fleet, the Mark VII suffer fatal computer system failures on contact with Cylon forces. Thanks to a [[Number Six|Cylon agent's]] relationship with Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]], scientist and programmer of the navigation software project, the [[CNP|navigational software]] in use onboard the majority of Colonial Fleet vessels contained backdoors that allow the Cylons to infiltrate a vessel's network by [[wireless]] signals and disable its power systems. While the problem could be overcome by removing the navigational upgrade compromised by the Cylons, this information is not discovered in time to be of major benefit to the surprised and hard-pressed Colonial forces.
== Atmospheric Operations ==
The Viper is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, Vipers consume more fuel during atmospheric operations than in the vacuum of space: once in an atmosphere, the engines must run continuously to retain airflow over the wing lifting surfaces. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Viper's engines ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).
The Viper is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, Vipers consume more fuel during atmospheric operations than in the vacuum of space: once in an atmosphere, the engines must run continuously to retain airflow over the wing lifting surfaces. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Viper's engines ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).
Due to their wing configuration, Vipers may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds within an atmosphere.
Due to their wing configuration, Vipers may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds within an atmosphere.
== Life Support ==
=== Life Support ===
Viper cockpits are pressurised and heated, but they are flown with the pilot wearing a [[flight suit]] that is capable of providing full life support should ejection be required ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]). The life support systems are built-in to the back of the pilot's seat itself, together with the flight harness. Following an ejection, the back of the seat separates automatically, effectively becoming a backpack for the pilot ([[Act of Contrition]]).
Viper cockpits are pressurised and heated, but they are flown with the pilot wearing a [[flight suit]] that is capable of providing full life support should ejection be required ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]). The life support systems are built-in to the back of the pilot's seat itself, together with the flight harness. Following an ejection, the back of the seat separates automatically, effectively becoming a backpack for the pilot ([[Act of Contrition]]).
Should ejection take place within an atmosphere, the life support backpack / seat back also incorporates a parachute.
Should ejection take place within an atmosphere, the life support backpack / seat back also incorporates a parachute.
*'''Mark II:''' 2x MEC-A6 30mm Thraxon forward-firing kinetic energy weapons ([[KEW]]) mounted in the wing roots with 800 round magazine; dorsal storage bay for 8x HD-70 Lightning Javelin missiles (optional 50 megaton nuclear warhead){{ref|armaments}}
*'''Mark VII:''' 3x forward-firing kinetic energy weapons (KEW); 2 mounted towards the outboard sections of the wings; 1 mounted in the vertical stabiliser
*'''Both:''' Weapon hardpoints for mounting missiles / munitions pods, etc. under the wings; compatible gun ammunition, although Mk VII seems to have a higher rate of fire
=== [[Computers#Avionics|Avionics]] ===
Both Viper models include a [[Computers#Colonial Avionics|cockpit avionics]] package.
[[Image:Vipermk2interior2 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Mark II joystick and analogue gauges]]<br>
Viper Mark II fighter cockpits, as part of their use in the [[Cylon War]], were initially designed to resist Cylon attempts at disabling or damaging the fighter's flight controls. As such, the avionics of a Mark II are not complicated, relying more on the pilot's [[Mark One Eyeball]], the fighter's analog controls and a primitive computer to manage flight systems.
It is likely that Mark II fighters, given the number of analog gauges and controls, were designed to be flown entirely without its computer in the event of its compromization by Cylon cracking. Some analog gauges, such as the altimeter, are used only in atmospheric flight.
[[Image:Vipermk7interior 101 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mark VII joystick, with few analog controls]]<br>
The Mark VII Viper cockpit is, in contrast, almost totally digital. There are far fewer analog gauges and more reliance on a more powerful flight computer. This gives the Mark VII pilot far greater control of the fighter as well as, presumably, greater targeting control in a dogfight.
However, the latest and last software upgrade, the [[CNP]] upgrade, introduced a fatal flaw (inserted by a [[Cylon agent]]) in the Mark VII that led to the virtual annihilation of most of these fighters in the opening wave of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]].
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=== Crew ===
=== Crew ===
*Pilot in Terrell ES 24C ejection seat. {{ref_label|companion|2|a}}
*Pilot in Terrell ES 24C ejection seat. {{ref|companion}}
=== Performance ===
*'''Mark II:''' Can rotate 180 degrees vertically in .35 seconds ([[Act of Contrition]]).
== Notes ==
Since ''Galactica'' only had 40 Viper Mark IIs aboard, they needed as many fighters as possible, thus the remaining Mark VIIs were refitted and stripped of their advanced computer systems. However, since this is not how the Mark VII was designed, it makes the craft increasingly difficult to handle and can only be flown by the most experienced pilots such as [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]]. ''Galactica'' has roughly 6-8 Mark VIIs on board after the Cylon attack ("[[Scattered]]", "Flight of the Phoenix"). (source: [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/ships/|official Scifi.com series website])
== Layout ==
[[Image:Viper Mk II orthos.jpg|thumb|Viper Mk II]]
The Viper is a long, sleek vehicle that can be split into two parts, fore and aft.
*Fore section: comprises the nose back to the cockpit. This contains the forward RCS systems for maneuvering the craft; the forward landing gear; the main [[avionics]] and sensor packages, plus the single-seat cockpit itself
==See Also==
*Stern section: comprises the main engines, fuel tanks, wings and vertical stabiliser. The wings themselves contain the kinetic energy weapons ("guns") and their munitions storage and feeds. Hardpoints beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods and other items to be rack-mounted ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). The wings roots contain the main landing gear. This section of a Viper also contains a number of RCS maneuvering packs.
The stern section of a Viper is distinctive because of the offset "intakes" mounted just behind the cockpit. The port / starboard "intake" nacelles incorporate small but powerful reverse thrust engines that can quickly counter a Viper's forward momentum in an emergency ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]).
*[[Viper Mark II]]: Detailed information on the older Mark II fighter.
*[[Viper Mark VII]]: Detailed information on the newer Mark VII fighter.
== Sources ==
== Sources ==
#{{note|dimensions}}Dimensions provided by [http://www.leestringer.com/ Lee Stringer], one of the VFX Animators of the miniseries. These are for the CGI models, which are based on but not identical to the fullsize props. Source: [http://www.starshipbuilder.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000012.html Starshipbuilder.com forums]
#{{note|companion}}Ejector seat details from David Bassom's ''[[The Official Companion|Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]''.
#{{note|companion}}{{note_label|companion|2|a}}Armaments listings and ejector seat details from David Bassom's ''[[The Official Companion|Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]''.
#{{note|inflight}}In flight, without landing gear. Landing gear adds approximately 0.5m.
The Viper is the Colonial Fleet's primary space superiority fighter / attack craft.
The Mark II Viper.The advanced Mark VII Viper.
The Viper was originally introduced into Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the Cylon War. After the war, newer models, such as the Mark VII, replaced the Mark II.
The Mark II served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, but was subsequently superseded by newer models. At the time of the renewed Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies, the Mark VII was the front-line variant of the Viper design.
Atmospheric Operations
The Viper is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, Vipers consume more fuel during atmospheric operations than in the vacuum of space: once in an atmosphere, the engines must run continuously to retain airflow over the wing lifting surfaces. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Viper's engines (You Can't Go Home Again).
Due to their wing configuration, Vipers may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds within an atmosphere.
Life Support
Viper cockpits are pressurised and heated, but they are flown with the pilot wearing a flight suit that is capable of providing full life support should ejection be required (You Can't Go Home Again). The life support systems are built-in to the back of the pilot's seat itself, together with the flight harness. Following an ejection, the back of the seat separates automatically, effectively becoming a backpack for the pilot (Act of Contrition).
Should ejection take place within an atmosphere, the life support backpack / seat back also incorporates a parachute.
Crew
Pilot in Terrell ES 24C ejection seat. Template:Ref
See Also
Viper Mark II: Detailed information on the older Mark II fighter.
Viper Mark VII: Detailed information on the newer Mark VII fighter.
