FTL
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Introduction
Acronym for Faster-than-Light. This is a term used to describe a means of astral propulsion utilized by the Cylons and the Colonials.
The FTL drive makes interstellar travel possible for both the Colonials and Cylons. No longer confined to their own home solar system, the Cylons managed to avoid Colonial interference for 40 years after the Cylon War and establish their own homeworld. However, not all ships -- from small to large -- are outfitted with these drives. (Mini-Series) Likely because of the cost involved, energy and fiscally speaking.
The technology behind FTL systems is such that, providing the relevant data is known, ships can jump with a high degree of accuracy, allowing ships to rendezvous in space and even "park" in a synchronous orbit directly above a give point on a planet's surface (Mini-Series.
Technology
The FTL drive technology used within the new Battlestar Galactica appears to be based on the use of Theory and [1] that essentially enable the "jump drive" systems to "fold" space, reducing the distance between any two points by creating a "corridor" through space that links them together (essentially forming a wormhole, or Einstein-Rosen Bridge.
Colonial Limitations
While FTL drives can be a blessing, they can also be a curse. Or at best, a hinderance.
FTL drives cannot be fitted on smaller Colonial craft, such as the Viper. They can, however, be used on the Raptor, which is limited to brief, short-distance jumps. (Mini-Series).
FTL drives cannot be used multiple times over a long period of time, for they are prone to breakdown after excessive, repetitive use. (33)
Cylon Advantage
The Cylons, as so far as could be determined, have perfected the FTL drive to the point where the Cylon Raider can be outfitted with an FTL drive. (Mini-Series).
The Cylon Raider drive systems are also far more efficient that the small-scale Colonial drive systems installed in the Raptor. Tests with the Raider captured by the Battlestar Galatica (You Can't Go home Again) demonstrated that the drive could enable the Raider to jump directly from the vicinity of Kobol back to Caprica (Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I), and fact that also indicates that Cylon nagivation systems are far better integrated with their FTL system to enable such long-distance jumps to be accurately plotted.