Blackbird

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 suppliment the Viper, given the issues with the remaining craft aboard the battlestar.

It is designed to use the Viper launch tubes, therefore sharing the same form. It is built more for speed than for maneuverability. It likely fires the same ammunition as typical Vipers, though this was not demonstrated as of Flight of the Phoenix.

It is powered by obsolete DDG-62 engines that were in storage on another ship.

It is does not use metal for its skin, but carbon composite, which makes it invisible from DRADIS scanning, an idea suggested by Karl Agathon. (Carbon composite is the same material used in the nose cone and leading edge of the Space Shuttle).

The first prototype was dubbed "Laura", in honor of President Laura Roslin. (Flight of the Phoenix)